Painted ~bj "Waldo &J"ewett 



Engr srv-ecL hyS. S. Jo c elyn. 



'JAMES JIRAIimilB TAYLOR 



MEMOIR 



OF 



JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 



BY 

JOHN HOLT RICE, D. D. 

i.t 

AND * 

BENJAMIN HOLT RICE, D. D. 



FIRST EDITION. 



NEW YORK : 

PUBLISHED BY JOCELYN, DARLING, & CO. 

NO. 31 MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE, WALL-STREET. 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1833, by Knowles 
Taylor, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District 
of New York. 




To the Students of Theology in the Seminaries of the 
United States, particularly, and to the Christian Church 
generally, this little work is affectionately inscribed, by 

The Compilers. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The principal object of this memoir is, to assist young 
preachers, and candidates for the ministry, in determining a 
question of very great importance. If any one thinks of 
entering into the sacred office, with any other motive than 
that of doing good, let him, by all means, seek some other 
calling. The question, then, " How may I do the greatest 
possible good?" is one that frequently presses with mighty 
force on the conscience. But the directions ordinarily given 
to questions of this kind, very commonly fail to produce the 
desired effect. A clear exhibition of the manner, the temper, 
the spirit of one, who, in the course of a very short life, was 
eminently useful ; and made a powerful impression wher- 
ever he went, may show the young what they must be, and 
how they must act, in order to accomplish the same valuable 
results. The great secret of ministerial efficiency is emi- 
nent holiness. 

But, owing to reasons which need not here be stated, 
many do greatly mistake the true character of eminent holi- 
ness. With some, it wears the aspect of fierce, intractable 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

zeal for what is admitted to be orthodox doctrine; while 
others clothe it in the garb of unsociableness, and often 
rnoroseness. Instead of being the compassionate friends of 
sinners, as their Saviour was, and winning men to religion 
by the attractions of love, they expect to drive them from the 
practice of sinning, by bitter censures and fierce denun- 
ciations. 

Errors of this kind have done incalculable mischief in the 
world. And perhaps the best way of correcting them is to 
exhibit the full drawn character of one, who united to an un- 
usual degree of honest zeal, an uncommon portion of the 
gentleness of Christ. 

It has often happened, that truly pious men have worn 
such sorrowful countenances, and have been so habituated 
to sighing and complaining, as to cause others to determine, 
that if religion -make men thus miserable, they would have 
nothing to do with it. Some good service will be rendered, 
then, to the cause of Christianity, by the exhibition of a man, 
who found in religion continual reason for cheerfulness, and 
a never failing source of real enjoyment. And it may be 
important for students to know, that he who has so much 
religion as to be always happy, is, for that very reason, the 
better qualified to be useful to others. 

Too many, also, unhappily for themselves and for others, 
have connected eminent piety, in their own minds, with a 



INTRODUCTION. 5 

disregard of the civilities of life. They think, (very errone- 
ously,) that a mind occupied with the important concerns of 
the church, and the mighty interests of religion, cannot de- 
scend to trifles of this kind. They therefore are studiously, 
and even perversely negligent of all the graces of polished 
society; and frequently offend — sometimes even disgust — 
those whom it is their duty to win. It may therefore be 
useful to show, that one, whose heart was very much devo- 
ted to the work of the Lord, was, in every proper sense of 
the word, a true gentleman. Not, indeed, stiffly and for- 
mally polite; but abundant in all the kind and gentle at- 
tentions, which show a heart keenly alive to the comfort, 
even in minute particulars, of all around him. 

In a word, the subject of this memoir, knowing that the 
great business of a preacher is to " persuade men," neglect- 
ed nothing in manners, in temper, in tone of voice, in mind, 
and in spirit, suited to make a favourable impression on his 
fellow-men. And thus it was, that wherever he went, he 
awakened a lively interest, and was fondly remembered. 
Wherever he abode, he won the devoted attachment of all 
who had the happiness of associating with him ; and above 
all, wherever he laboured in the gospel, he was instrumental 
in the conversion of sinners. 

That he was so soon removed from the sphere of useful- 
ness which he had begun to occupy, is a mystery, for the so- 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

lution of which, we must wait until we arrive at the place 
where we shall not know in part, but as we are known. 

In the mean while, it is the prayer of the compiler, that 
the mantle of Taylor may rest on the sons of the pro- 
phets, whose privilege it is to speak in the name of the 
Lord ; and that they may be wise, to " turn many unto right- 
eousness" — and so shall they " shine as the sun in the firma- 
ment, and as stars, for ever and ever." 



MEMOIR. 



James Brainerd Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor, 
of Middle-Haddam, Connecticut, was born on the 15th day 
of April, 1801. His parents, yet living, are in the com- 
munion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and greatly 
respected in the circle of their acquaintance. On the 
mother's side, he was connected with the family of Brain- 
erd, a name to be held in remembrance as long as the 
devoted zeal of the self-denying missionary shall be had 
in honour. On the father's side, an old record traces up 
the lineage to a branch of the family of Jeremy Taylor. 
But, while no wise man ever undervalued the benefits of be- 
ing born of worthy parents, no one of right spirit ever reli- 
ed on this providential circumstance to bear him on through 
life. Our character depends on ourselves. So thought 
James Taylor. And while he honoured and revered his 
parents with the truest filial affection, he went forth with 
the spirit of genuine independence to make his own way in 
the world. 

Of his very early youth, the affection of his friends have 
preserved many recollections of deep interest to them, but 
not of a nature to be recorded in this place. He was par- 
ticularly distinguished by an affectionate vivacity, which 
greatly endeared him to his relatives, and made him a ge- 
neral favourite in the youthful circle in which he moved. 

The first deep impressions on his mind were made by an 
elder brother, who, while on a visit to his father, took occa- 
sion, after family worship, to make some observations on a 
portion of scripture, and at length gave them a personal di- 
rection. He was affected even to tears ; and for the first 
time in his life, went on his knees in secret prayer. The 
feelings, however, which had been thus awakened, were 
almost entirely suppressed, in a way not at all unusual. 
James had been exceedingly devoted to the gayeties of life, 
and was particularly fond of dancing. Just about this time 
he was prevailed on by young companions to go to a party 



s 



MEMOIR. 



formed for this purpose in the neighbourhood. The result 
was the loss of his seriousness, and the commission of sins, 
of which he never before had been guilty. No one ever re- 
sists the Holy Spirit, and suppresses the convictions of his 
own heart, without a great increase of sinfulness. 

In this state of mind he was placed as a clerk in the store 
of a merchant in New York. Two brothers, both older 
than himself, watched over him, with all the solicitude of 
fraternal affection; and thus he was preserved from the paths 
of that destroyer, which lurks in all our large cities, and 
takes in her snares so many of our most hopeful young men. 

James attended the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, 
pastor of the church in Cedar street, New York ; and there, 
at the age of fifteen, he first united with the Lord's people 
in commemorating the dying love of Jesus Christ. 

Nothing in the history of his religious experience, at this 
time, shows it to have been very remarkable. It appears, 
however, that as soon as he felt the transforming power of 
religious truth, he manifested a decided disposition to active 
benevolence, and readily engaged in such labours of love as 
a young man in his situation could perform. His letters 
show a great concern for his younger brothers and sisters 
at home ; and indicate much zeal as a teacher in a Sabbath 
school. Writing to a sister, in the year 1815, he says, 
" Tell the dear little brothers and sisters the state of their 
hearts ; give them all the instruction you can as to their 
future welfare ; and O, may the Lord draw them by the 
cords of his everlasting love, and let his spirit and blessing 
rest on them." And in another letter, written to the same 
relative, he gives this solemn exhortation : " M— , as you 
are the oldest child of our dear parents, now at home, do in- 
struct our dear little brothers and sisters, and urge them to 
seek the salvation of their souls — for it is your duty." 

His correspondence, as might be expected in one who 
had recently become a church member, was almost entirely 
on the subject of religion. But while it often exhibits to- 
kens of recent conversion, it also indicates considerable 
feeling of obligation to be wholly devoted, and strong de- 
sire to make eminent attainments in holiness. 

It appears, indeed, that afterwards he had a very low 
opinion of his religious attainments at this time. Yet there 
was this evidence of sincerity, that although he was obliged, 
during the whole week, to perform the laborious services 
of a merchant's clerk, in a place of great commercial activi- 



MEMOIR, 



9 



ty, yet with great alacrity he engaged as a teacher in a Sab- 
bath school. And his letters breathe a deep solicitude in 
behalf of the children committed to his care. 

The compiler of this little work gladly takes this oppor- 
tunity of recording the very valuable services rendered to 
the community by many young men in similar situations. 
And they deserve the higher approbation, on account of the 
peculiarly disadvantageous circumstances in which they are 
placed. Little do parents think to what dangers they ex- 
pose their sons, when they send them to a merchant's 
counting-house, in a large city. Removed from all the 
holy influences of domestic life, and surrounded by ten 
thousand temptations, they usually have no society but that 
of lads in their own situation. With but little previous 
education, and, of course, few mental resources, it is not so 
much to be wondered at, as deplored, that when the business 
of the day is over, they should seek relaxation and amuse- 
ment, in those places near which the destroyer is always 
lurking ; and that often before their time of service is ex- 
pired, they should have acquired habits of dissipation, and a 
love of pleasure, too strong for their principles of honour 
and morality. Nor is it surprising, that in many cases, the 
interests of the employer should greatly suffer from the 
profligateness of his clerks. 

• Surely, the value of religion cannot be too highly appre- 
ciated, when it is sufficient to preserve the young amidst all 
their temptations, from debasing pleasures and extravagant 
amusements. Of the strength of this principle of action, 
there is very strong evidence afforded by the Sabbath schools 
of our cities. While thousands, every Sunday, are pouring 
out through every avenue, under the pretence that their 
health requires a ride, or a walk, into the country ; and 
while every tavern and tippling shop in the vicinity is 
swarming with numbers, high in revelry and riot ; there are 
hundreds of young people, of both sexes, who need amuse- 
ment and relaxation as much as any others, and who seek 
and find it, in the delightful exercise of a most beneficial 
charity. They meet the children of the poor, they even go 
among the outcasts of society, and take up the neglected, 
and speak words of kindness to them, and teach them to 
read the precepts of the purest morality, and cause them to 
hear the lessons of heavenly wisdom. Thus, with every 
right feeling of the human heart greatly strengthened, and 
refreshed by the consciousness of voluntary efforts to do 



10 



MEMOIR. 



good, they return to the labours of the week, more happy 
in themselves, and more deserving of the confidence of 
others, than ever. If the gratitude of the community has 
no civic crown to reward such services, there is one, who 
will hereafter bestow the meed of approbation, when he 
shall say, " well done, good and faithful servants, enter into 
the joy of your Lord." 

In employments of this beneficial character, James Tay- 
lor took great delight. And the peculiar kindness of his 
disposition induced him to engage in teaching the people of 
colour, of whom there are very considerable numbers in 
New York, and who had been greatly neglected in all the 
efforts to do good, which had preceded the establishment of 
Sabbath schools. " I am engaged," says he, in a letter to 
one of his sisters, dated April 5th, 1818, "in a Sunday 
school — a pleasing task indeed ! I have in my class eight, 
between the ages of 19 and 40. Some of them learn, during 
the week, to recite on Sunday, one, two, and three chapters 
in the Bible. We have in our school about seventy regular 
attendants, between 16 and 72 years of age. Oh how that 
race has been neglected ! But I trust that the time has come, 
for them to know more of their Creator. There have been 
many converts, and some, both teachers and scholars, have 
connected themselves with the church, who ascribe their 
convictions to the influence of Sunday schools. We expect 
a great day at the anniversary. We shall probably meet in 
the Park, with all the children, about five thousand. These 
children, or most of them, were once, I may say, vagabonds, 
wandering about the streets, and committing the worst of 
crimes." This extract is not made because it is at all pe- 
culiar, but simply for the purpose of showing the first open- 
ings of a Christian character, which afterwards rose to great 
eminence, and shone out with exceeding lustre. In the pre- 
sent day, opportunities of doing good are so brought home 
to every individual, that if any one is contenting himself 
with the determination to go to heaven by himself, and let 
others alone, he probably needs no other evidence to prove 
that he is not a Christian at all. 

It may be well to add, that in letters to his friends, James 
Taylor, by stating facts, showing the great usefulness of 
Sabbath schools, and by earnest exhortations, urged them 
to set up similar institutions in their neighbourhoods. In 
every way he endeavoured, when a youth of only sixteen 
years of age, to be the cause of good to others. 



MEMOIR. 



11 



When young men are sent from the country to a large 
city, and become engaged in its business and pleasures, they 
generally are weaned from home ; and its simple pleasures 
are regarded with contempt. This is one of the truest signs 
of corruption ; and is an omen too sure, of the ruin which 
is soon to follow. If religion is not the only, it is certainly 
the best preservative from evils of this kind. Under its in- 
fluence, James Taylor maintained all the simplicity of his 
character, and retained all his love of home, his filial and 
fraternal affection, in full vigour. It will be interesting to 
give some extracts of letters which exhibit his disposition 
in these respects. 

et November 15, 1818. 
u It would give me great pleasure to receive a letter from 
my kind mother. I can never repay your goodness to me 
in my younger days. But I hope that He who alone can 
give happiness, will reward you a hundred fold. I never 
can, and I never would, erase from my memory the kind 
admonitions which I have received from your lips. I never 
can sufficiently thank the Lord that my parents have been 
so good to me. And it is impossible for me to express how 
much I love and esteem you. For this also I desire to be 
thankful, for I esteem it a great blessing. 53 • 

In many other letters addressed to his parents, similar 
sentiments are expressed in similar language. And the 
same strong natural affection was ever shown towards his 
brothers and sisters. But religion is the great subject of 
every letter ; and the most intense desire that the whole fa- 
mily might become disciples of Jesus Christ, and partakers 
of his salvation, is manifested in every page. 

In his correspondence, as carried on from year to year, 
there are clear indications of growth in religious feeling, 
and increased consistency of religious character : so that 
it might be expected, that one so devoted in early life to the 
service of Christ, would be employed by the Head of the 
church, in some remarkable way, for the advancement of 
his cause. 

In the year 1819, the subject of this memoir was plea- 
santly situated as a merchant's clerk, with a kind hearted, 
pious man, whom he greatly loved. His prospects were 
entirely favourable. But before the close of the year, he 
determined to abandon his pursuits, renounce his hopes Ol 
2 



12 



MEMOIR. 



becoming rich, and devote himself to the ministry of the 
gospel. The providence of God was plainly in this whole 
affair. 

A physician in New York, in full practice, and with a ris- 
ing reputation, had determined to " leave all," and go with 
his family, as a missionary to the East Indies. His name 
was Scudder. His departure from the city excited great in- 
terest. James Taylor was engaged in his ordinary business, 
when a young Christian friend, on passing his door, called, 
and asked him to accompany him to the wharf, " to see Dr. 
Scudder off" The invitation was readily accepted. The 
scene and the effect produced, may be told in his own words : 

" New York, 24th May, 1819. 

" This morning I witnessed a scene highly interesting to 
the heart of a Christian. It caused thanksgiving and praise 
to rise from my heart, and tears to flow from my eyes. I saw 
a missionary and his wife take their departure from this 
port, for India, to declare among the heathen the unsearch- 
able riches of Christ. How pleasing is it, to see the Lord, 
from time to time, raising up one and another, to make 
known his truths to the children of men ; and sending them 
to those who have never heard the voice of mercy, have 
never been told of a Saviour from sin, nor of a way of es- 
cape from the wrath to come. Let us rejoice in what he has 
done, is doing now, and has promised to do in time to come, 
for his church. On looking back thirty years, there were 
no Bible, no Missionary, no Tract Societies, nor Sabbath 
Schools. But now, we see them all, and hear of their 
happy results. We also see societies for the education of pi- 
ous youth for the ministry, who I trust will prove a bless- 
ing to millions yet unborn. — Christians, at this time, seem to 
be exerting themselves for the cause of Zion ; and while one 
minister is going among foreign pagans, another is taking 
his station among the Indians. 

" This, I think, is not ' a day of small things.' Yet much 
remains to be done. And all the followers of Christ ought 
to be more concerned and engaged for a 1 world which lieth 
in wickedness.' We must also be more careful about our 
own growth in grace, and advancement in the divine life. 
For it would be a poor charity to neglect our own salvation, 
in securing that of others. 

"The missionary's name, who has just left us, is Scudder. 
He was formerly a physician in this city. This circum- 



MEMOIR, 



13 



stance will be of great advantage, for lie will be able to ad- 
minister to the diseases of the body, as well as the mind. It 
may be said of him and his wife, that they have left all, 
and followed their Saviour. They counted not the blessings 
of home, and friends, or even their own lives, dear unto 
themselves, that they might * win Christ/ and win others to 
him. 

" I had the pleasure of being introduced to Dr. and Mrs. 
Scudder. He appeared cheerful — Mrs. Scudder was bathed 
in tears, but yet rejoicing. They were surrounded by many 
acquaintances and friends ;— and we can with difficulty ima- 
gine their feelings, when, just about to leave home, and 
country, and all the blessings of Christian society, they 
heard one and another say, * my friend, my sister, farewell, 
for ever !' Just as the steamboat was moving off, one of the 
Dr.'s friends, who came too late to go on board, called out, 
and bade him adieu, wishing him a pleasant passage. I shall 
never forget Dr. Scudder's looks, or his words. As he spoke, 
his eye kindled, and his cheek glowed with the ardour of 
Christian benevolence. He waved his hand, and with a be- 
nignant smile on his countenance, said, 'only give me your 
prayers, and that is all I ask. 5 

" He is now gone — gone, never to see his friends again 
in this world : — 

, c Go, messenger, and bear 
Upon thy gentle wing, 
The song which seraphs love to hear, 
And angels joy to sing.' 

" I have felt, since this morning, as though I would be 
willing to forsake my ever dear father and mother, brothers 
and sisters, and country, for my Saviour's sake and the gos- 
pel's. — I have also thought, perhaps my present business is 
not to be my future employ. Yes, the Lord may have in 
reserve for me, unworthy as I am, a situation far different 
from my present one. — May I ever be led in the path of 
duty ! This has been my prayer this day : and I have, more 
than at any former time, felt the importance of crying, ' Lord, 
make me to know myduty, and give me a heart to perform 
•it.' — Yes, my Lord does know all my desires, and hears all 
my sighs." 

In another letter, addressed to the same friend, he writes 
on the same subject, in these words ; 

2 



14 



MEMOIR. 



" On seeing Dr. Scudder take his last leave of his friends, 
and of the people on shore, with a true missionary spirit, I 
felt a tenderness towards the poor heathen, to whom he 
was going, which caused my eyes to overflow. That time 
can never be obliterated from my memory. I thought that 
I w r ould be willing to change my situation for his. On re 
turning home, I felt that I could not attend to business. My 
desire was to spend that day with the Lord. I retired for 
prayer, and found the exercise sweet. My mind was im- 
pressed with the necessity for more ministers of the gospel ; 
and many reasons presented themselves, why I should de- 
vote my life to the good of my fellow men in that situation." 

The desire, which was thus awakened, grew in strength. 
But no hasty resolution was taken. Our deceased friend 
consulted with those in whose judgment he confided. And 
with that warm filial affection and reverence, which cha- 
racterized him, he asked counsel of his parents. 

The following letter so fully shows the views and spirit 
of young Taylor, that long as it is, the whole may well be 
inserted. 

" New York, May, 181& 
" Will it not give you pleasure to hear of my desiring to 
enter on a course of study for the ministry of reconcilia- 
tion % Yes, my dear father, I have been led, within the 
course of a few weeks past, to think seriously on this sub- 
ject. When I turn my eyes to the extensive fields which 
are presented to my view, they seem to be ' white unto the 
harvest.' The language of scripture is surely applicable to 
the present time, — \ The harvest truly is great, but the la- 
bourers are few.' The calls of Providence are loud to the 
young men, who have been brought within the pale of the 
church, to devote themselves to the ministry. And to whom 
can the church look but to her sons, for this service ? The 
population of this country is growing very rapidly, and the 
proportion of its increase is much beyond that of the faith- 
ful ministers of the gospel. The call of destitute churches, 
in different parts of our country, is, ' Come over and help 
us.' The voice of the Indians on our borders is, 4 Come 
and make known to us the Saviour, that we perish not J 
The superstition and idolatry of the heathen, beyond the 
seas, urge us to go, and preach the gospel, and proclaim to 
them the glad tidings of salvation. When we think of 



MEMOIR. 



15 



the Hindoos, who offer their own children in sacrifice, to 
appease their offended gods — whose worship is a worse 
than useless superstition— who, on going down to the grave, 
have no Saviour on whom to repose, and no hope of awaking 
to a happier life to come, — how can we help feeling for 
them ! Surely every benevolent heart longs for their salva- 
tion. The heathen are promised to Christ for his inherit- 
ance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. 
To whom can they look, but to us who are Christians ? And 
does not God require us to be co-workers with him, in the 
execution of his grand designs. Means always have been, 
and probably always will be used by the Lord, for evange- 
lizing the nations. There is a want of faithful ministers, 
throughout the world. 

" Now, when I reflect on the goodness and mercy of the 
Lord towards our family, in bringing the children, as they 
grow up, to be acquainted with his ways, and to become his 
professed followers, it seems to me as though some of the 
number were called to devote themselves to him in the work 
of the ministry. We have been brought within the pale of 
the church at an early age. May God make known to us 
the path of duty, and give us a heart to walk therein. 

44 He who enters on this great work, ought to weigh the 
matter well, knowing that many go without being called. 
In leaving my present business to engage in the ministry, 
I do not expect more ease or worldly comfort. Far from 
it ! The life of a minister, who is faithful to his Master, 
to himself, and to those around him, is not only laborious, 
but full of trials. Yet, doing good to the souls of men, and 
glorifying God, is more than double compensation for all 
the hardships and crosses, which the devoted servant of 
Christ is subjected to. Very erroneous views are enter- 
tained by many respecting the life of a minister. It has 
been supposed that it is easy. But the most arduous labours 
of a clergyman are not visible to the world. They are 
performed in his study. Let people follow him to that 
place, and see him praying, reading, examining, compo- 
sing — they will then have very different thoughts. But 
only they who have entered on this course, know all the 
bitter and the sweet connected with it. — The responsibility 
which presses on the mind of a truly conscientious minis- 
ter, is probably more trying than any other species of care 
and anxiety. — Self-denial is also necessary in a minister; as 
indeed it is in all Christians. It is the very foundation of 
2* * 



16 



MEMOIR, 



all active religion. Without it nothing can be done to pur- 
pose, in the great work of reforming the world — this world 
that lieth in sin. 

" Do you ask me, whether I am willing to leave my pre- 
sent business ? — It would indeed be a cross to leave Mr. 

H , for he is one of the best of men. . Some may think, 

if they do not say, that I am a fool for wishing to give up 
my present employment, which bids fair to make me rich ; 
and which is far more honourable in the sight of the world. 
To this I can reply, and I do think from the heart, that I 
am willing to give up my present situation, with all its pros- 
pects, for one in which I think that I can be more usefuL 
As for the riches of this world, I do not expect to find hap- 
piness in them. And the more I think on the condition of 
the * Christian poor, who do not want,' the more I am con- 
vinced that they enjoy higher happiness, than those who 
share largely in the good things of the present life. The 
cottages of humble Christians are more honourable than 
the palaces of the rich, where there is no fear nor love of 
God. The language of my heart is, Lord, whatever may 
be denied to me — health, friends, and comforts of this life ; 
let me never be denied the light of thy countenance, and thy 
loving-kindness. 

" The number of ministers necessary adequately to supply 
the United States, is estimated at more than 11,000. There 
is thought to be at present, less than one fourth of that num- 
ber. What is wanting to encourage one to engage in this 
all-interesting service ? Why should not the call for more 
labourers be heard by me ? Surely if I have been called from 
* darkness to light,' it should be my chief aim and desire 
to point out the way of salvation to others. 

" But sometimes my heart shrinks, when I think of enter- 
ing on this service. I have so much to go through, before 
I can appear in the pulpit ; and then to come before the 
world — I am terrified by the anticipation. 

"I have now stated my feelings, and submit the same for 
your consideration. I hope that they may meet your views, 
and receive your approbation. I doubt not that they wilL 
My desire is to leave all, and become an ambassador for 
Christ. Of the difficulties in my way, the most prominent, 
at present, is the want of funds. I wish you to inform me, 
whether you feel able and willing to support me through 
my course of study. 

41 Should I enter on the work of the ministry, there are 



MEMOIR, 



If 



these promises to comfort and sustain me. Luke xii. 24. 
* Who is that faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord shall 
make ruler over his household, to give them their meat in 
due season.' Ver. 43. * Blessed is that servant, whom, when 
his Lord cometh, he shall find so doing.' Matt, xxviii. 20. 
■ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you ; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto 
the end of the world.' Dan. xii. 3. 'And they that4)e wise, 
shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they 
that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and 
ever.' Luke xxi. 15. 'I will give you a mouth and wis- 
dom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gain- 
say nor resist.' 

" I can say no more at present. My heart is open before 
the Lord, and I wait the direction of his providence. Please 
to give me an early reply ; and state your views on the 
subject. There can be no objection on account of my age — ■ 
and of my natural talents, I wish you to be judge. 

" Your affectionate son, 

"James." 

After receiving an answer to this letter, J. T. continued 
for some time in the employment of Mr. H., faithfully dis- 
charging his duty as a clerk, and endeavouring in his 
place to do good. 

During the summer of 1819, New York was visited 
with the yellow fever. It was a time of great alarm. But 
this served only to show the strength and steadiness of 
James Taylor's religious principles. While engaged in 
duty, he appeared to have no fears or anxieties for himself. 
To his parents, he on this occasion writes thus : 

"New York, September 10th, 1819. 
" Probably you have by this time heard of the yellow 
fever in New York, and given yourselves some anxiety 
about your children here. The fever has not yet spread 
much, and it is remote from us. At present there is not 
much occasion to be alarmed. 

" You have this one thing, my dear parents, to comfort 
you. Your children here have an interest in the Saviour, at 
whose command are all the diseases, to which we are sub- 
ject. They can proceed as far as He wills, and no farther. 
How can we be thankful enough to Him, who has called 
us to the knowledge of the truth ! As the Lord has sus- 

2* 



a8 



MEMOIR. 



tained vis in times past, let us trust him for that which is to 
come. This seems to be my language : — 1 Lord I would 
trust thee : I desire to be willing to submit to the ordering 
of thy providence, whether it send sickness or health, life or 
death ; for I know that all things shall work together for 
my good,' " 

While James Taylor was thus, as he believed, pursuing 
his business in conformity to the orderings of Providence ; 
and, in submission to the divine will, attending to the duties 
of a merchant's clerk, a way was very unexpectedly opened 
for him to enter on studies preparatory to his going to a 
theological seminary. This, it seems, was brought about 
without his agency, and quite beyond his expectations. The 
Rev. Dr. John B. Romeyn, under whose pastoral care he 
was, knowing his earnest desire to enter the ministry, re- 
commended him to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, 
under whose auspices, and with the aid of friends, he was, 
enabled to enter the academy, at Lawrenceville, (N. J.) 
under the care of the Rev. Isaac V. Brown. 

Extracts from several letters to his relations will show 
what were his feelings in view of the prospect thus presented. 

"New York, November 16th, 1819. 

"My dearly beloved Father and Mother, 

" I begin my letter in the language of the Psalmist — 
6 Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me, bless 
his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all 
his benefits.' It may be truly said, that the ways of the Lord 
are not as our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts ; and 
that his dealings with his children are often very different 
from their expectations. Thus my heavenly Father has dealt 
with me, his disobedient and unworthy child, in opening a 
way that I may be prepared to preach the everlasting gospel. 
Yes, my dear parents, it does seem that the office of the mi- 
nistry is to be my employment. Providence has raised up 
friends in my behalf. I have, therefore, concluded to leave my 
present employment, to prepare for the gospel ministry. This 
determination has met the approbation of all my friends 
here, as far as I have communicated it to them. Mr. EL, 
my employer, on learning the circumstances of the case, and 
my wishes, instead of making a single objection, immediately 
said, go ! and added that he should rejoice in it, if I were 
called to that work. He also lamented, that, in the present 



MEMOIR. 



19 



great want of faithful labourers in the vineyard of the Lord, 
so few young men were inclined to devote themselves to 
the service of Christ in the church. * * * * Was not this 
favourable ? My brother — (to whom I am under many obli- 
gations, and whom I love both as a brother in the flesh, and 
in the Lord,) on hearing my statements, said, that he saw 
no objection to my going, and that as to what I owed, — it 
should raise no difficulty, for he would take care of that. 

" In view of these circumstances, I am constrained to adore 
and praise a gracious Providence ; and to ask, what is there 
now to hinder my going forward % I can see nothing. I do 
not desire the office on account of worldly praise or honour ; 
but, as I hope, for the glory of God, connected with the sal- 
vation of my fellow men. 

" When I was at home in July last, you probably recol- 
lect the conversations which we had on this subject. I 
thought your views just and proper — and the whole matter 
seemed to me to be at an end. I did not look any farther 
for help ; and instead of cherishing my desires for the mi- 
nistry, I suppressed them. But now, can I do any thing 
else than improve the opportunity thus offered. My heart, 
at times, rejoices in the prospect of being useful to my fel- 
low sinners, and at times it shrinks back from the many 
difficulties which rise to my view. The life of a faithful 
minister — (and such may I be, if admitted to the office) — 
appears to me to be more glorious, than that of any other 
person. He is prompted by true benevolence — he la- 
bours not to destroy men's souls, but to save them. He 
is engaged in a cause which must prosper, for Christ is 
the head. He shall receive a reward, according to Christ's 
promise. 

" The land is greatly destitute of devoted and able ministers, 
The harvest truly is great, and the labourers are few. My 
heart is turned towards this work j and one proof of my be- 
ing called to it, as it seems to me, is, that I have lost that 
relish for my business, which I once had ; and I am willing 
to be poor, if I only may be useful in my Master's cause. In 
entering on my course, I have nothing to fear but the com- 
mission of sin ; but every thing to encourage me. The men 
of this world, after having accomplished their plans, are often 
at a loss to what they shall turn next, and are unhappy for 
want of something, in which to employ themselves with in- 
terest. But it is not so with the devoted servant of Christ. 
The world is the field of his labours. He always has enough 



20 



MEMOIR. 



to do ; and is assured that his labour shall not be in vain. It 
will be sweet and animating, in his last hours, to reflect that 
he has lived to some good purpose ; that he has served the 
Lord by serving others. And if he can know that he has 
been instrumental in turning sinners from the error of their 
ways, and saving souls from death, it will be matter of ever- 
lasting thankfulness and praise. May this joy. my dear 
parents, be mine, to the glory of divine grace ! 

" In reflecting on this subject, I am led to ask, Can, can it 
be, that the Lord will raise me up to be one of his servants 
in the ministry? — Me ! who am so ignorant, so helpless, so 
needy? — But while I am ignorant, helpless, needy, I know 
that my Lord is wise, powerful, and possesseth all things. — 
Him I love — Him I would serve and obey. 

" I shall probably take my departure from New York for 
a place near Princeton, New- Jersey. There I expect to spend 
two years in academical studies. After which I shall spend 
three years in some college ; whence I shall repair to a the- 
ological seminary, and study probably three years more. 
The time seems long : but this is the prescribed course. 

" Now, taking things as they appear, does not the language 
of Providence seem to say, ao? In doing this, I would be 
mindful that I must deny all ungodliness, and every worldly 
lust, and live soberly, righteously, and godly. In pursuing 
this course, I must be holy in heart and in life. Humility 
becomes the followers of Jesus : — I must possess much of 
this grace. As a minister of Christ, I must be willing to for- 
sake all, and follow him. I know that there are many, and 
awful responsibilities, connected with this office ; such as do 
not rest on other Christians. The Lord knows this, too, 
and imparts grace sufficient for them. But he who, whether 
minister or private Christian, has the glory of God singly 
in view, need not fear the world, the flesh, nor the devil, for 
he shall be brought off more than conqueror, * They who 
put their trust in him, shall never be confounded.' 

«' Trusting in the Lord for strength, and confiding in him 
alone for help, I will go forward, hoping that I shall be 
made a workman, that need never be ashamed — a faithful 
soldier of the cross, having always the glory of God, and 
the good of my fellow men, at heart, 

" My dear parents, I now see that the world has had too 
much of my time. The remainder, I trust, will be spent 
more in the service of my blessed Lord. — And may you find 
increasing delight in * serving without ceasing,' * * # Our 



MEMOIR. 



Stay here is short. The time is not far distant, when death 
will enter our family. And shall it he my father, my dear 
father, or my dear mother, a beloved brother or sister, who 
shall first be consigned to the tomb ? May father, mother, 
brothers, and sisters, all be prepared ; being washed, being 
sanctified, being justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and 
by the Spirit of our God. 

" Your affectionate son, James." 

The special object of this memoir requires a clear exhi- 
bition of James Taylor's views and feelings in seeking 
the ministry. Several additional extracts are, therefore, 
made from letters to his friends, in which he shows his whole 
heart, when about to leave New York for Lawrenceville, 
New Jersey. To his parents he writes thus : 

" The time necessary for me to go through the course 
marked out, is eight years. I hope that, in the discharge of 
my duty during this period, I may be useful. 

" The Lord has laid me under great obligations to be thank- 
ful, by singling me out from the rest of the dear family for 
this service. And I hope that you, my beloved father and 
mother, cease not to thank and praise him, that he has con- 
descended to confer this honour on me. Should I be found a 
faithful minister of the gospel, and you, with me, be admitted 
into the upper sanctuary, this one thing will, no doubt, be a 
theme on which we shall dwell with everlasting pleasure." 

To his sister, in a letter of the same date, he thus expresses 
his views : 
t 

"My present expectation is to goto Lawrenceville, a small 
place about five miles from Princeton, (N. J.) by the 10th 
of January, to be under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Brown, 
with whom I shall probably board. 

" My clerical friends, when speaking of the course of my 
education, and the time which it would take to accomplish 
it, remarked that I might go through in seven years — and 
that there was a possibility of finishing in six. But they 
advised me not to think of attempting to finish the work in 
less than eight years. An opportunity is now afforded to me 
of obtaining a thorough education. This age seems to re- 
quire that a minister should be thoroughly furnished for his 
work. They who have the greatest store of knowledge, 



22 



MEMOtR. 



connected with true piety, have the best opportunities of 
doing good. But while I set so great a value on a good 
education, I would not be understood to say, that education 
is a matter of the highest importance. Pure and undefiled 
religion is the chief thing in the character of a minister of 
the gospel. Without it he cannot be useful. He who does 
not possess love to God ; who has never been * born of water 
and the Spirit who does not feel the worth of immortal 
souls; and who does not preach as a dying and accountable 
man to perishing and accountable beings, is not worthy of 
the name of a minister of Jesus Christ. Feeling the awful 
responsibility which is to rest on me, should I enter this 
office — as I hope in due time to do — I am ready to say, ' Who 
is sufficient for these things V The Lord alone can be my 
helper. Having him as * my rock of defence,' I need fear 
nothing. * * # I hope that the language of my heart is, 
'none but Christ;' and that the tenor of my life will be in 
conformity to it. * # My dear sister, the Lord has been kind 
to us in days that are past. He has given us reason, and 
made us capable of enjoying him. He "has brought us in 
early life to seek him, that we may • be found in him :' let 
us then devote the remainder of life to his service. Let us 
not be content with barely getting to heaven ourselves ; but 
in seeking our own salvation, let us also seek that of others. 
I have often thought, that, should my life be spared to enter 
the ministry; and should the blessing of my Master enable 
me to do some little good in the world, the reflection would 
be sweet and cheering in a dying hour. * * * And in the 
eternal world, how delightful must it be to find souls in the 
enjoyment of everlasting rest, who have been brought there 
through our instrumentality! Let us set out, then, with re- 
newed diligence; and endeavour to do somethingfor the glory 
of our Redeemer, and the salvation of sinners." 

To another friend he urges the following request : 

"As I have it now in prospect to enter the ministry, 
let me solicit an interest in your prayers. — Pray that I may 
indeed be willing to forsake all, and follow Christ ; that I 
may be meek and lowly ; a workman that need not be 
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and giving to 
every one a portion in due season ; that I may, as 1 before 
God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick 
and dead at his appearing and his kingdom, preach the word ] 



MEMOIR. 



23 



he instant in season and out of season ; reprove, rebuke, ex- 
hort, with all long suffering and doctrine — that I may be 
blameless, not a novice lifted up with pride ; that I may hold 
the mystery of faith in a pure conscience, and be holy in 
heart and in life, a child of God, without rebuke." 

To a young friend, who had entered on a preparatory 
course of study a little time before him, he unfolds himself 
with much freedom. 

" You having entered on your studies for the ministry, 
and I having the same thing in prospect, we ought to unite 
in grateful acknowledgments to the Lord, that he has given, 
us a desire for this service. We are told by an inspired 
apostle, that * he who desireth the office of a bishop, desireth 
a good work/ On asking myself what reason I have to be- 
lieve that the Lord has called me to preach the gospel, I 
reply : My desire has continued for a considerable time, and 
has been strong. My wish is to glorify God, and be useful 
to my fellow men. Providence has, in a clear manner, 
opened the way for me. Far be it from me to take this holy 
office on myself, unless I am * called of God, as was Aaron.' 
But the time seems to have arrived, when I ought to go and 
prepare for preaching the gospel. During my preparation, 
and through life, I expect to meet with trials. Those of a 
minister are, often, of no ordinary kind. But as are his 
trials, so will be his joys, if indeed he has pure and underlled 
religion. This is, above all things, necessary. And as 
4 God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble/ 
how important is it that we should cultivate humility. 1 He 
that exalteth himself shall be abased, but he that humbleth 
himself shall be exalted' — exalted to fellowship with the 
Father and his Son Jesus Christ ; and in being made a fit 
temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In prospect of 
this, I have felt willing to be poor. If I can only be useful, 
it will be enough for me. But self-denial is indispensable 
for a minister : may I be willing to deny myself, and take 
up my cross ! * * * * 

" I feel desirous to go to my work, and to be about my Mas- 
ter's business. But I must be detained here a while longer. 
When I am awake, my mind is at all times on this subject. 
My relish for business is gone, and I shall not feel that I 
am in the right place, until I am at my studies. When that 
time shall have come, I hope that I may so improve in vir- 
3 



24 



MEMOIR. 



tue and knowledge, that I shall glorify God, and meet the 

expectations of my friends. 

84 My Christian brother, permit me to request that you com- 
municate with me as you may find time; and as you are 
older in religion than I am, I shall look to you to give me 
such advice as may aid in my growth in grace. As we 
have a common Lord, are aiming at the same heaven, amidst 
the same difficulties and dangers, let us bear each other on 
the heart, when we go to a throne of grace." 

In another letter to the same friend, he speaks of the long 
time to be employed in preparation for the ministry; and 
expresses the hope that he might be useful, while prosecut- 
ing his studies. To this he adds a sentiment of very great 
value to all who are preparing for the ministry. It seems 
that he had expected, on entering his course, that he should 
enjoy the fullest opportunities of reading the Bible, medita- 
tion, and prayer in secret. But better information convinced 
him that so many hours would be occupied every day in 
literary and scientific pursuits, that very little time would 
remain for those delightful employments. He therefore re- 
solved to carry religion as fully as possible into his studies; 
and daily engage in them, with the thought, that thus he 
might be rendered useful in the vineyard of the Lord. 

His purposes and resolutions in relation to those who 
might be his fellow students, also, show the true spirit of 
Christian prudence and benevolence. To the same friend 
he writes after this manner : — " I hope that those with whom 
we shall associate, will be of the right cast ; and that we 
shall be very cautious with whom we form intimate connex- 
ions. But let us by the meekness of our temper and the 
kindness of our deportment ; by devotedness to the cause of 
our Redeemer, and the earnestness of our wishes to promote 
the real happiness of those around us, interest them in us 
and gain their affections. Let the saying of Paul be our 
motto, 4 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without 
which none shall see the Lord.' " 

Shortly after the date of this letter, James B. Taylor took 
his place in the school of the Rev. Isaac V. Brown of Law- 
renceville, and began his preparatory studies. Our readers 
cannot but have remarked in passing, the earnestness of his 
desire to enter the ministry ; the singleness of his motives 
in desiring the sacred office ; and the grateful joy manifested, 
when Providence rendered plain the way for him to begin 



MEMOIR. 



25 



his studies. With the utmost alacrity he left an employment 
which promised wealth, and all the consideration in the 
world which wealth ensures, and devoted himself to the 
service of the church, with the expectation of being poor 
and labouring- hard, during his whole life. In all this, how- 
ever, there was none of the rashness of a young enthusiast, 
but the deliberate self-denial of a true Christian. He adopted 
no plan, he took no step without first consulting his pa- 
rents and most judicious friends, and obtaining their ap- 
probation. 

At the age of nineteen, he was willing to sit down to a 
course of eight years' study, that he might be qualified for 
usefulness, and, in some measure at least, prepared to meet 
the awful responsibilities of the ministerial office. These 
responsibilities he deeply felt ; and while he most earnestly 
desired to be a preacher of the gospel, he was too conscien- 
tious and too prudent to rush into it, without that mental 
discipline, and that culture of the heart, which would, in his 
own deliberate judgment, justify him in going forward as a 
teacher of others. 

It deserves also to be remarked, that he did not rely 
for evidence of a call to the ministry on the impulses of his 
own mind, or some undeflnable feelings, but looked care- 
fully at the leadings of Providence, at the wants of the world, 
and at the state of his own heart. He consulted his friends, 
and prayed over the subject. In a word, he adopted every 
measure to enable him to form a prudent determination ; 
and as the result of the whole, went forward under a firm 
conviction of duty. 

It may be useful in this place to offer a few remarks on 
the education of young men for the gospel ministry. 

A very great mistake prevails to some extent, in this 
country, on this subject. It is supposed by many, that young 
men are taken up by the societies formed for that purpose, 
at their own request, or that of their parents, and taught to 
be ministers, much in the way in which boys are taught to 
be merchants or tradesmen. On the contrary, the very first 
step is a careful inquiry into the moral character, the piety, 
the zeal, and the prudence of such young men. They are 
examined in relation to their motives for wishing to enter 
the sacred office ; and in many cases, at least, are for a time 
taken on trial, that it may be fully ascertained whether the 
money of the church ought to be expended on their educa- 
tion. 

3 



26 



MEMOIR, 



These societies have, it seems, become objects of extreme 
jealousy with many persons, and it may be worth while to 
exhibit their real nature and design, in the hope of unde- 
ceiving those who apprehend mischief from them. They 
are, then, the result of a determination on the part of Chris- 
tians to adapt all their measures to the spirit of our civil in- 
stitutions. There will always be spiritual teachers where 
there is religion. All considerate men know how important 
it is, that ministers of the gospel should be well informed, 
wise, and good men. But no provision is made, and in con- 
sistency w T ith the genius of our fundamental laws, none can 
be made, by the state, for the education of men for the mi- 
nistry of the gospel. The members and friends of the 
church, having in common with others of their fellow-citi- 
zens, determined that religion should be free, have united in 
voluntary associations for the purpose of affording a suita* 
ble education for pious young men, who wish to become 
teachers of religion. It is difficult to assign any cause, or 
conceive why any objection should be made to this measure, 
unless it should originate from a wish that the ignorance of 
ministers might bring religion into disrepute and contempt. 
This suggestion is strengthened by the fact, that the most 
violent enemies of education societies are found among the 
open opposers of Christianity. 

But, it is urged, that poor young men are taken from the 
ploug-h and the workshop, and introduced into a profession 
which places them on a level w T ith the best society. This 
objection comes with a bad grace from the mouths of men, 
who, on all occasions, glory in their republicanism. True 
dignity consists in high moral worth ; and if this is united 
with intelligence and refinement, poverty can in reality de- 
tract nothing from it. But the necessity of the case affords 
reason enough to justify this measure. The pious sons of 
wealthy parents, for the most part, seek worldly wealth and 
honour. And although they cannot but hear the passionate 
cry from perishing millions, for some in pity to come and 
break to them the bread of life, they generally excuse them- 
selves with saying, that " they are not called to the ministry, 
and are not pious enough to be preachers of the gospel.' 3 
This last assertion may be true; but is it an excuse? If 
they are not "good" enough to enter the ministry, are they 
not bound to employ their immediate and most vigorous ef- 
forts in obtaining higher degrees of piety ? And as for the 
rest, I would ask, if they pursue any other profession, whe- 



MEMOIR. 



27 



ther they are called to that course of life, and enter on it 
with the single view to promote the glory of the Redeemer. 
A Christian cannot, with a good conscience, enter any pro- 
fession to which he is not called. But many suppose that 
as they have no call to the ministry, they may therefore 
consult taste or interest, and become lawyers, physicians, 
merchants, or politicians, just as seems good to them. But 
every Christian ought to know, that he is most solemnly 
bound to pursue that course of life, in which, as far as he 
can judge, he may be most useful to his fellow-men, and 
most glorify his Saviour. If the country were supplied 
with able and faithful teachers of Christianity, he who, in 
its present state, ought to be a devoted minister of Christ, 
might be called to serve him in the practice of law or me- 
dicine. But while those professions are more than filled, 
many a son of the church, who ought to stand on the hill 
of Zion, and proclaim the messages of eternal mercy, is 
competing with his fellow-men in pursuit of wealth or 
honour in some secular profession. Christian young men 
stop their ears against the cry of dying souls, which echoes 
through the world, and give themselves to occupations 
which others might fill just as well as they do. To such 
pious youth, we would exhibit the example of James Taylor, 
who, when he had given up a pleasant place, and a lucrative 
calling, to prepare for the ministry, called on his own soul, 
and on his parents and friends, to magnify and praise the 
Lord, who had condescended to honour him so far, as to 
permit him to engage in a long and laborious course of pre- 
paration for the ministry. Might but the mantle of this 
devoted youth rest on the young disciples of Christ whom 
he has left behind ; and soon there would not be a spiritual 
desolation in the whole country — in the whole world. 

There is very wide difference between the desire for the 
sacred office, which carries a man through eight years of 
preparatory study, and that vain and eager wish to be re- 
cognised by the church as a teacher, which urges raw, un- 
disciplined lads, in the noviciate of their religion, to seek 
this sacred office. Other qualifications than a fierce and 
fiery zeal, are called for in a minister of the religion of 
Christ. He who teaches religion, has to teach persons of 
all classes — the master spirits of the nation, who expect 
justness and force of thought, propriety of language, en- 
larged and liberal views, united with "the meekness of 
heavenly wisdom — and the uninstructed poor, who need 



28 



MEMOIR. 



that the truth should be set forth in terms so clear and fa* 
miliar, that they cannot be mistaken. The man of real 
learning alone is able to perform this service. Accustomed 
to investigation, he arranges his thoughts in a natural order ; 
habituated to the search after truth, he employs words with 
precision ; and knowing how greatly the energy of lan- 
guage is increased by simplicity, he uses " great plainness 
of speech." Whereas, the untaught and the half taught 
foolishly imagine that they are great and profound, in pro- 
portion as they are unintelligible. The most eloquent men 
whom I have ever known, such as Patrick Henry and John 
Randolph, among statesmen ; and James Waddel and James 
Turner, among preachers, were remarkable for the simpli- 
city of their manner, and the perfect intelligibleness of their 
language. They made every one, learned and rude, feel 
their intellectual power.* The art consists mainly in set- 
ting the subject so plainly and distinctly before the people* 
that every one shall think that he can see it himself. But it 
requires much intellectual discipline to enable a public 
speaker to do this. 

The conclusion to which, after all my observation on this 
subject, I have been obliged to come, is, that he who hurries 
into the office of the ministry, and takes on himself its fear- 
ful responsibilities, without very careful preparation, gives 
very decisive evidence that he has not been called by Christ, 
although he may be sent by man. 



1820—1823. 

On the 13th of January, 1820, Mr. Taylor arrived at 
Lawrenceville, and began a course of study preparatory to 
his entering college. A young man, in this situation, is ex- 
posed to temptations, which require much vigilance and 
care; otherwise his religious interests will suffer; and 

* An old soldier of the revolution told me, that in some severe encoun- 
ter during the war, his commanding officer, perceiving that his men, 
though fighting bravely, were overshooting the enemy, in his peculiar 
slang cried out, M shin them, boys ! shin them !" and at the very first fire 
after this command, the advancing column of British grenadiers waver- 
ed and reeled, and was very soon entirely broken. Let the soldier of the 
cross imitate the example — let him shoot low. 



MEMOIR, 



29 



while lie is growing in knowledge, he will be declining in 
piety. 

A new, dry, and difficult study, at once occupies and ha- 
rasses the mind. If there is an ardent thirst for knowledge, 
and any waking Up of ambition and rivalry, the attention 
is so engrossed, that little opportunity is found for prayer 
and that devotional reading of the scriptures, which is in- 
dispensable to one's growth in holiness. And if religious 
exercises afford high enjoyment, there is great danger, lest 
the young student should go from them to his daily studies 
with reluctance, and in process of time with feelings of dis- 
gust. It requires, then, much firmness of religious princi- 
ple, and great self-watchfulness, to go through this early 
part of preparation, with no diminution, either of the piety 
of the student, or his desire of intellectual improvement. 

Besides, a promiscuous school of twenty or thirty boys, 
lodging in the same, or neighbor ring buildings, has a spirit 
generally unfavourable to religious improvement. Their 
petty jealousies, their occasional dissatisfactions, the general 
levity of boys, and a thousand things of this kind, operate 
injuriously. And it happens, sometimes at least, that a 
young man enters college with less of the spirit which be- 
comes a minister of Christ, than he carried with him to the 
grammar school. 

If, then, an example can be shown, of one who went 
through these dangers without injury; and if it can be 
shown by what means he grew in grace, while others in 
similar circumstances often decline, this part of James Tay- 
lor's memoir may be useful to numbers, in whose high-toned 
and fervent piety, the church and the world have a deep in- 
terest. 

With this view, the extracts from his correspondence will 
be much more numerous, and at greater length, than it 
would be thought proper for other objects to give. It ought 
to be understood, too, that the biography of a young man, 
who died just as he had entered the ministry, cannot con- 
tain a record of stirring incidents. And, indeed, if it could, 
it would make little more than a mere book of amusement. 
Whereas, our great design is to show by what means one, 
who promised extraordinary usefulness in the church, was 
formed, and moulded into the very thing which he was. The 
reader will see that to accomplish this object, much minute- 
ness of detail is necessary ; and also, that this detail can 
best be given in the record which the individual has left of. 
3* 



30 



MEMOIR. 



his own views, feelings, and purposes ; not indeed in the 
way of formal autobiography, but in a free epistolary inter- 
course with beloved and confidential friends. 

The first letter written after his arrival at Lawrenceville, 
which has fallen into my hands, is addressed to his friend, 
Charles Hyde, who was then pursuing a preparatory course 
for college, at Bloomfield, (N. J.,) under the Reverend 
Mr. Armstrong, a clergyman of distinguished piety and 
usefulness. 

" I left New York on Tuesday, and lodged in New Bruns- 
wick. On the next day at six P. M. I set out for Lawrence- 
ville. After we had proceeded about eight miles, the driver 
alighted from the box to fix the traces. While he was thus 
engaged, the horses started off, and before we had discover- 
ed that the driver was left behind, they were on the run. 
There were four passengers in the stage, besides myself, 
who appeared to be much agitated. Nor did I wonder at it ; 
for they were very irreligious persons, and there appeared 
to be no way of escape. I did not know what the issue would 
be, but of this I was certain, that the Judge of all the earth 
would do right, and my mind was in a great degree com- 
posed. The suddenness of the affair caused a little anxiety 
at first. But I thought of the distinguishing mercy of my 
heavenly Father, who had been pleased to call me to trust 
in him ; and I felt that it was a time to set a value on the 
religion of Jesus, and the hope which it imparts. O that I 
might value it more ! The horses ran about two miles, at 
full speed, and then turned into the yard where they are 
accustomed to stop, without any injury to the passengers or 
stage. I consider the escape as entirely providential, and 
feel that I am called on 1 to praise the Lord for his good 
ness,' and say, ' hitherto hath he helped me.' # * * * My 
situation is pleasant. Religious privileges are better than 1 
expected. We have family worship morning and evening, 
preaching every Sabbath, and prayer meetings on Tuesday 
Friday, and Saturday. 

" As yet I have made very little progress in my Latin. ; 
find it pretty dry ; and rather trying, for I go on mor« 
slowly than I expected. * # This has troubled me somewhat 
but as it is the way to usefulness, I hope that I shall no? 
yield to such feelings. I think that we may be as happ j 
now, as at any future period of life, if we only use ou> 
present privileges with a right spirit. * * * Having beer. 



MEMOIR. 



31 



here but a short time, I have not yet adopted any particular 
plan for disposing of my time. 1 design belore long to 
draw up such an one, for my guidance. The remarks of 
the great moralist (Johnson) on this subject I think are 
good. * I believe (says he) it is best to throw life into a 
method, that every hour may bring its employment, and 
every employment have its hour. If every thing be kept 
in a certain place, when any thing is worn out or consum- 
ed, the vacuity which it leaves, will show what is want- 
ing : so if every part of time has its appropriate duty, the 
hour will call into remembrance its engagement.' — Should 
you have drawn up any scheme for the disposal of your 
time, I should like, if you have no objection, to see it ; as it 
may be useful to me. 

" During the course of our studies, may we have the 
smiles of our heavenly Father ! The responsibilities resting 
on us, are of no ordinary kind ; let us, therefore, 'be up and 
doing.' As we advance in life, I hope that we shall grow 
in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ ; counting it more than our meat and drink to 
do the will of Him who, of his mercy, hath called us into 
his service. It seems more and more necessary that we 
should be exemplary in our conduct, that we should be 
1 wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' That this may 
be the case ; that we may be found faithful soldiers of the 
cross ; the * sons of God without rebuke,' and be finally re- 
ceived to mansions in the skies, is the prayer of your sin- 
cere friend, J. B. T." 

To two of his aunts, living in Tolland, (Conn.) he ad- 
dressed a letter, dated 23d January, 1820, in which occur 
the following passages. 

" The school which I attend, consists of twenty-five scho- 
lars, of whom five, including myself, are preparing for the 
ministry : the rest are wild, giddy-headed boys. I am plea- 
santly situated in an agreeable family, and have two room- 
mates, of whom one* is a pious, humble Christian, and I think 
as suitable a companion for me as could be found. He is 
about three weeks ahead of me in pursuit of the same object 
with myself. * # * * In the summer season this will be a 
beautiful spot, having many pleasant walks, and much fine 



* Now the Rev, Mr. Gulick, of the Sandwich Islands' Mission, 



32 



MEMOIR. 



scenery. Yesterday morning, early, I walked into the 
fields, and fuuud a refreshing time for my soul. A view of 
the works of creation, and the echoes of various pleasant 
sounds, broke on the ear and warmed my heart. As I 
looked on the surrounding objects, I felt that 1 my Father 
made them all.' How delightful is it to be 'calm and 
serene ;' how sweet to repose with confidence on a covenant 
God, and to cast all our care on Him, who careth for us ! 
The soul can then look down on the world with a holy 
indifference, knowing that it is not the believer's home. 

" 1 The older I grow, the more I feel the necessity of living 
nearer to the Lord.' Do you not find it so with yourselves ? 
O for the power of quickening grace to animate us in our 
Christian life ! 

" ' Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove, 
With all thy quick'ning powers: 
Kindle a flame of sacred love, 
In these cold hearts of ours.' 

" Having embarked in the cause of Christ, I hope that my 
life may be one continued act of devotedness to him. Hav- 
ing put my hand to the plough, I trust that I shall never 
look back : and I depend on him, who raises up, qualifies, 
and thrusts labourers into his vineyard, for grace to strength- 
en me. # * * In looking forward, I see that years will pass, 
before I appear in public, as an ambassador for Christ. But 
this does not discourage me. I am sometimes anxious, lest, 
while occupied with my studies, I should lose my enjoyment 
of religion. Do you tell me 4 draw nigh to the Lord, and 
he will draw nigh to you V — O for a closer walk with God ; 
a continual hungering and thirsting for the water of life ! 
Since my mind has been made up to devote myself to the 
service of Christ in the ministry, I feel more deeply my 
need of an interest in the prayers of my brethren and sis- 
ters in the Lord. I hope you will not think that I am 
placing dependence on man. The prayer of the righteous, 
you know, availeth much. As then you are acquainted 
with my situation, I earnestly beg to be remembered in your 
prayers. Make mention of me in all your supplications. 
Entreat our heavenly Father, that I may be a pattern of 
piety ; that I may manifest the reality and excellency of the 
religion which I profess, by walking worthy of my high 
calling in Christ Jesus ; and that I may never bring re- 
proach on that cause which I have espoused. * * * 



MEMOIR. 



33 



*• The Lord being near and around me, and the Holy 
Spirit abiding in my heart, unworthy as I am, during the 
part of my life devoted to preparatory studies, may I grow in 
grace, and in the knowledge of my Saviour. It is my 
earnest desire that I may be prepared for my work, and in 
due time, be brought out a faithful minister of the New 
Testament." 

In letters to his parents, also, written shortly after com- 
mencing his studies, he further exhibits the state of his mind, 
in regard to the great work before him. 

"February 4th, 1820. 
" My present situation is that which I have been wishing^ 
to occupy for many months past. The Lord, I trust, has 
inclined my heart to engage in this worlcj and by a kind 
Providence has placed me here, that I may prepare to preach 
his gospel. In looking round for my former companions, 
I find that some are dead, others are living without any con- 
cern for their souls, while a precious few have fled to the 
ark of safety, and have found the Lord Jesus. O, what 
occasion for thankfulness have I ! My dear parents, help me 
to praise the God of my salvation : for once your son was 
* dead in trespasses and sins a despiser of that which is 
good, and a lover of evil. Bless the Lord for the hope which 
we have, through the 1 peace-speaking blood of the dear 
Redeemer.' 

* He moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform.' 

I, who am so unworthy, am now on the way, under his direc- 
tion, as I believe, and should life and health be spared, I trust 
the time will come when I shall publicly declare the riches 
of his sovereign grace to my fellow sinners. It is delight- 
ful to think of being made the instrument of bringing even 
one of the lost sheep of Christ into his fold. How sweet, 
in a dying hour, to know that one has done some good to 
the souls of his fellow men. To be engaged in the service 
of him who came to seek and save the lost, is ho- 
nourable; for he is * King of kings and Lord of lords.' May 
my soul always delight in this service, and my lot be cast 
with the followers of Jesus. * # Let it be our continual de- 
sire to live near to him, who gave himself for us, that we 
might not perish, but have everlasting life." — Again : 



MEMOIR. 



" May 4th, 1820. 

" It affords me pleasure to inform you of my safe return to 
Lawrenceville, on the evening of the day I left New- York, 
I am now in the place where, I trust, divine Providence has 
placed me; and I bless the Lord, who enables me to make 
progress in my studies. When you have nearness of access 
to the throne of grace, bear your James in remembrance ; 
and pray that I may be truly devoted to the service of my 
Master. Sometimes I am ready to say, 4 who is sufficient 
for these things f but then it occurs, 4 through Christ 
strengthening me, I can do all things.' 

41 1 greatly admire the character of a minister of the gos- 
pel, as drawn by Cowper, in the following lines: Let him be 

1 Simple, grave, sincere ; 

In doctrine uncorrupt ; in language plain, 
And plain in manner ; decent, chaste, 
And natural in gesture ; much impressed 
Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, 
And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds 
May feel it too : affectionate in look, 
And tender in address, as well becomes 
A messenger of grace to guilty men.'" 

In a letter to Mr. H., written about a month after he began 
his course of study, after expressing a number of sentiments, 
similar to those contained in the foregoing extracts, he gives 
a brief account of the manner in which he employed his 
time. This account is closed with the following sentence : 
" The last thing before retiring, every night, I and my com- 
panion commit to memory a portion of scripture. What 
may not this amount to in eight years V 1 

The compiler of this volume introduces this little quota- 
tion, chiefly for the purpose of earnestly recommending the 
practice to the imitation of all theological students, as one of 
exceeding great value. During the long course of prepara- 
tion for the ministry, while every term brings with it some 
new and difficult study, with which the mind is much occu- 
pied, and often much perplexed, the Bible is too frequently 
treated with comparative neglect. And not unfrequently 
young preachers manifest more intimate acquaintance with 
critical rules, and the arguments of polemics, than with the 
Holy Scriptures. But nothing can compensate the preacher 
for the want of a thorough knowledge of the Bible. It ought 
to be treasured up in the memory, and made the subject of 



MEMOIR. 



35 



daily meditation and prayer. Now, if a young- man will, 
when he enters his preparatory course, adopt James Tay- 
lor's rule, and every night, before retiring to rest, commit io 
memory a short portion of the Bible, selecting those parts 
which may make suitable subjects for meditation and devo- 
tional exercises the next day, he may, by the time he enters 
the ministry, have half the Bible by heart. And he may be 
so familiar with its contents, as to be able, when performing 
missionary services, to prepare sermons which shall be full 
of pertinent scriptural illustration and proof, without the help 
of a concordance. The facilities which such preparation as 
this would afford, are invaluable. But in addition to this, if 
the truth is the only instrument of sanctification, what better 
means for growth in grace can be adopted, than this daily 
increase of scriptural knowledge ? Let students of theology 
read the Bible — let them study the Bible — let them pray 
over the Bible* 

We have seen, now, with what views and feelings James 
Taylor began his preparations for the ministry. That other 
young men, who are preparing for the ministry, have similar 
views and feelings, I have no doubt. But it is well for all 
to take occasion to subject themselves to a most strict and 
rigid examination, that they may know what manner of spirit 
they are of. And we wish here most deeply to impress it 
on the minds of all candidates for the ministry, that in this 
nation, where the church is thrown on its own resources, no 
means can support religion, and make it prosperous, without 
the exemplary holiness of its ministers. 

Let us next see how our young brother preserved the spi- 
rit with which he set out ; and what measures he adopted 
to prepare for the office which he so ardently desired. 

* Note by a f riend. — Mr. Taylor's familiarity with the contents of the 
Bible, was observable by all with whom he associated. It was an inter- 
esting trait in his habits of intercourse with friends, that, when the conver- 
sation seemed at a stand, he would take out his little pocket Bible, saying, 
K 1 guess I can find something here to amuse us and then would give a 
familiar exposition of some passage, and connect with the illustration 
some anecdote ; at the same time, repeating, and turning to parallel pas- 
sages ; so that no one could listen to him without feeling deeply interested. 
So peculiarly happy was he in these familiar illustrations, that it was not 
an unfrequent thing to see those around him smile with delight, and at the 
next moment, weep with deep emotion. There are many, who were often 
in his society, who will recognize the truth of this remark, in their own ex- 

rjrience. He would often speak of his Bible, as the dear little book.'" 
was present at his examination, and never heard any man quote the Sa- 
cred Scriptures with such fluency, for confirmation of Ids doctrinal views, 
as the questions were successively proposed to him, 
4 



30 



MEMOIR. 



In regard to intellectual improvement, it appears that he 
pursued his studies with commendable diligence, and made 
proficiency answerable to the hopes of his friends. His un- 
derstanding was good; but not extraordinary. It was not 
by brilliancy of genius, with its nameless fascinations, that 
he made the deep impression, which, according to the most 
abundant testimony, he did make on numbers, wherever he 
resided. Yet according to his most confidential letters, he 
felt it to be a Christian duty to acquire knowledge, that he 
might be able to teach others. Daring all mental labour, 
however, which is necessary to effect this object, he kept a 
strict watch over his heart, and cultivated Christian affection 
with much care ; he cherished his desires for the salvation 
of his fellow men; and endeavoured, by methods which are 
generally approved among warm hearted Christians, to do 
good as lie had opportunity. Extracts from various letters 
now before me, will be made in proof of these remarks, and 
for the illustration of his Christian character. 

Before he had been one month at Lawrenceville, he estab- 
lished, and with his pious fellow students, conducted a week- 
ly prayer meeting, about three miles from the village. It 
was among a people, the most of whom seldom or never at- 
tended church. But yet, won by the kind attentions of these 
young men, they came together weekly, in considerable 
numbers, to hear hymns sung, sermons read, and prayers 
offered up to the Father of all. After giving to a friend an 
account of this place, and of the spiritual condition of the 
people, Mr. Taylor adds, in a tone of peculiar earnestness, 
" There I hope to be useful." This is the true spirit 
of the pulpit. A man, who enters it with any other view, 
had better be any where else in the wide world. It is there- 
fore important that a student should, by all means in his 
power, cultivate and strengthen the desire to be useful. But 
here there is need of continual caution. The reputation of 
a minister, in the present age of the church, greatly depenc-s 
on his usefulness. A man, then, may be strongly tempted to 
aim at the credit of being thought useful. And with a view 
of obtaining this honour, he may " do many things," which 
on the removing of this motive he would leave undone. It 
deserves therefore to be remarked, that one decisive evidence 
of the genuineness of this desire, is, that its accompaniment 
is a deep unaffected humility. If one is endeavouring to do 
good, but is not satisfied unless others know and acknow- 
ledge it : or if one is disposed to talk of what he does, and 



MEMOIR. 



Z7 



take credit to himself, it is proof enough, that his object is 
the praise of men, and not the glory of the Redeemer. Where 
this is the leading design, it is proof enough that nothing is 
known of the true spirit of the gospel. The most common 
case, however, among Christians, is, a mixture of motives. 
They are sanctified but in part. And while they do sincere- 
ly wish that the blessed Saviour may be glorified in the sal- 
vation of sinners, they also wish that their instrumentality 
in this work, may be appreciated and acknowledged. Such 
too are the flatteries of self-love, that on looking back to form 
an estimate of our character ; or when opposed and censur- 
ed by others, we are too apt to forget our regard to self, and 
dwell only on the desires of which we were conscious, that 
Christ might be honoured, and good done to our fellow men 
by us. — Thus, at every step there is need that the candidate 
for the ministry, and the preacher of the gospel, should 
watch the movements of his heart ; and every hour, that he 
should pray, "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe." 

The prayer meeting mentioned above, which had been es- 
tablished on Friday evening, was changed to Sabbath after- 
noon ; and was regularly attended by James Taylor. The 
religious exercises thus held, soon produced a desire for fur- 
ther information ; and a Bible class was formed, which he 
was requested to superintend. A short time afterwards, the 
young ladies of Lawrenceville voluntarily associated in a 
similar class, to meet before church time on Sabbath morn- 
ing, and desired Mr. Taylor to hear their recitations. To 
each of these requests he assented. And thus his Sabbaths 
were fully occupied in labours to do and to obtain good. 
For at 10 o'clock he met the Bible class in Lawrenceville; 
at 1 1 he went to church ; and after dinner walked three 
miles to hear his Bible class in the country, after which he 
attended the prayer meeting, where he read a sermon, sung 
thrice, offered two prayers, and sometimes held conversations 
with the people on the subject of religion. This showed 
great earnestness of desire, to be doing something for the 
cause of Christ, and the good of men. 

His letters, during the year 1820, give some interesting 
accounts of the effects of this prayer meeting, which the 
reader will perhaps be pleased to peruse. 

To one of his sisters he writes thus : — 

" Lawrenceville, 19th June, 1820. 
" * To do good and communicate forget not/ is a maxim 
4 



38 



which we should keep in continual remembrance. The 
more we conform our lives to it, the greater will be our re- 
semblance to our blessed Saviour, as he lived among men, 
To do good, we must seek opportunities ; and then opportu- 
nities will frequently find us. Since reading Cotton Ma- 
ther's * Essays to do Good,' I feel that I have been exceed- 
ingly deficient. In looking back to the time, when I first 
made a public profession of religion — (you know that though 
distant from each other, and unapprized of our respective in- 
tentions, we both made the same solemn profession on the 
same day) — on looking back, I am constrained to say, O 
what a barren fig-tree I have been ! my leanness ! my 
leanness ! But blessed be the Lord, I have a desire to do 
good now. * * 

" No doubt you wish to hear something of my prayer 
meeting. On Sabbath afternoon, at four P. M., I meet about 
one hundred people, assembled in two rooms, most of whom 
are ignorant of God. I stand in the door between, and ge- 
nerally read to them a sermon ; aftef which I sometimes 
speak a few words of exhortation. As yet I have seen no 
effect, except that they have become more attentive; and 
instead of profaning the Sabbath by labouring in the fields, 
&c, they are seen at the meeting. I trust that good seed is 
sowing, and that it will spring up in due time. Pray that 
it may ; and engage your Christian sisters to pray for me. 
* * * The Lord has done great things for us, whereof 
we are glad. Then for His distinguishing mercy, let us dis- 
tinguish ourselves by our piety, our love to God and men. 53 

To C. H— I 

" Lawrence ville, July 12th, 1820. 
" That millions of souls are perishing, is a truth that 
ought to have a place in all our thoughts. And we may 
profitably inquire, what can we do to meliorate their condi- 
tion ? This ruin is not confined to heathen lands. It is at 
our doors, and our fire-sides. Numbers near us, are dying 
for want of the bread of life. To these last, situated as we 
are, our attention is now called. What Providence may do 
for the former, in the course of time, by our instrumentality, 
we know not. The Head of the church, who qualifies his 
servants to do his work, disposes of them as 4 seemeth him 
good.' But what are we doing for those that are near to us ? 
My brother, I presume that you are faithful— I hope you 



MEMOIR. 



39 



are. For my part, I have to confess with shame my many 
omissions* My failings stare me in the face. 4 A beam is 
in my own eye? * * * * 

M But now I will inform you what I have been endeavour- 
ing* to do ; — not in the way of ostentation — not that I am 
setting myself up as an example. On the contrary, I feel 
that I ought to be humble : for I see in this, as in my other 
performances, so much imperfection. The opportunity was 
afforded to me of attempting to do something, by a recess of 
three days in our school. ^ On Sunday, the 2d instant, I 
went as usual to attend my prayer-meeting, and found the 
house filled to overflowing. At the close of the meeting, 
according to my previous plan, I told the people that I 
intended to spend two days in visiting, from house to house, 
as many of them as I could. Accordingly, I commenced 
on Sunday evening my new employment. At the first 
house where I called, I found a young person greatly dis- 
tressed on account of sin. This case of awakening had 
occurred at our prayer-meeting. There was very great 
distress. I endeavoured to offer such instruction as suited 
the case ; and I have strong hope that there will soon be 
joy and peace in believing. Shall I be elated at this appa- 
rent success? No: if I, the least of the Lord's servants, 
am used for good to others, I would give all thanks to him 
who has been pleased thus to employ me. I say no more 
of this case, but only ask you to pray. — At the next house 
where I stopped, I found no appearance of religion. You 
can form a pretty good idea of what I said in such cases. 

" On the next day, (Monday,) I made ten visits. In these I 
found four Christians, and some persons well disposed to- 
wards religion, but the great majority caring only for the 
perishing things of this world. At the house where I tarried 
that night, I found a young lady, in circumstances similar to 
those of the person first mentioned, bowed down under a 
sense of sin, and earnestly desiring the one thing needful. 
This greatly encouraged me ; for I do believe that she is 
seeking for the way of truth, * the good old way.' Here, also, 
I met with one who appeared to be a Christian indeed. O 
how pleasant ! * * It is like a well of water in a thirsty land. 

" On Tuesday I called at ten houses. At most of them I 
left one or more tracts, such as I thought most likely to be 
useful. This was the fourth of July. In the evening I had 
many reflections on the manner in which I had spent the 
day, so totally different from that in which I had heretofore 
4* 



40 



MEMOIR. 



spent that anniversary. O how much greater cause of 
triumph, to be instrumental in delivering one soul from the 
power of sin and Satan, than to be the conqueror of nations. 
The contrast will be fully seen only above. 

" On the following day, I attended the instalment of 
the Rev. G. S. Woodhull, at Princeton, formerly pastor of 
the church at Cranberry; — and a solemn time it was. 

O ! C , the awful responsibilities of the office to which 

we are looking forward ! It is connected, directly, with the 
solemnities of the judgment-day. Should the Lord see fit 
to put us into that station, the souls of those to whom we 
preach will be profited or injured by us. But the duties of 
the pulpit are not all. This you know : for I doubt not you 
have considered all these things. I am only stirring up 
your mind by way of remembrance. There are doubtless 
many duties connected with a pastoral charge, of which we 
as yet know nothing. But that of visiting, we know, is ex- 
pected. The censures which we have heard, and which 
we probably shall hear, on this subject, disagreeable as they 
are, will, I trust, prove a good and useful lesson to us. 
This part of ministerial life must be pleasant, I should think, 
to those who possess the talent. When I anticipate the time 
of my being a preacher, my mind dwells on this as a de- 
lightful task, This is not meant to say that I am qualified 
for this duty : but I hope that, through grace, I shall be, 
hereafter. By visiting, the pastor knows all the wants of 
his flock, and performs indeed the kindest part of the shep- 
herd's office. * * * Since I wrote to you last, the young 
ladies of Lawrenceville have formed a Bible class, and soli- 
cited me to hear their recitations. I was glad to comply 
with their request. To render this measure beneficial, I have 
determined to make it a kind of prayer-meeting. The reci- 
tation is always opened with prayer, and closed with singing. 
Thus, you see, my duties increase ; and I hope that it will 
be so as long as I live. May I have that wisdom from above, 
which is profitable to direct ;— may the word of truth dwell 
in me richly in all wisdom ! This increase of duties con- 
vinces me that the grace afforded for yesterday, will not 
supply my wants to-day. I trust that I have not been called 
to this place for nothing. That I may be useful, is my 
desire. If my heart does not deceive me, I long to spend 
and be spent for Christ." 

These extracts will serve to show how this devoted 



MEMOIR. 



41 



young Christian endeavoured, while pursuing his studies, 
to strengthen the desire of being useful. In the sequel we 
shall see more of his labours, and of their results both in 
regard to himself and to others. 

While thus engaged in Lawrenceville, J. T. felt the 
deepest solicitude respecting the spiritual interests of his 
near relations. He had natural affection in unusual strength, 
and it mingled in all its power with his religious feelings. 
Every letter to his parents, brothers, and sisters, breathes 
the most earnest desires, that those who were Christians 
might advance in holiness ; and that the others might feel 
all the power of divine truth, and be brought to a saving 
knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

To his Parents. 

" Lawrenceville, Feb. 4th, 1820. 
" The other evening, as I was reflecting on the passage 
of scripture contained in 2 Cor. v. 10, * For we must all 
appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one 
may receive the things done in the body, according to that 
he hath done, whether it be good or bad;' I thought on the 
situation of my fellow men, who reject the offers of mercy, 
Alas ! where will the sinner appear in the great day of the 
Lord, when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and 
the earth shall be burned up ? In thinking of our relatives, 
I could call to mind but few who had devoted themselves to 
Christ. And when my thoughts turned to our own family, 
they dwelt on some who had arrived at years of discretion, 
but who had not given themselves to the Lord. Oh ! shall 
they — can they perish ? May God interpose for them ; 
that not one, at the last, may be * found a cast-away !' " 

Under a sense of duty to his nearest kindred, J. T. had a 
very delicate task to perform. His parents were members 
of the Episcopal church, and communicants. But, at that 
time, the only regular worship in the family was the reading 
of the prescribed prayers on the Sabbath. The necessity of 
a change of heart, it appears, was not duly regarded by his 
father ; and young T. was deeply distressed under the appre- 
hension that some, whom he most loved in the world, were 
stopping short of that religion which the gospel required. 
He often resolved that he would speak to his venerated 
father on this subject. But filial fear and youthful diffidence 



42 



MEMOIR. 



prevented. At length he resolved that he would write. 
But a direct address might appear as though the son were 
taking the place of the parent. Accordingly, he determined 
to select as a subject for composition, " The idea of a well 
regulated family." On this he wrote, in the form of letters 
to his parents, three essays ; in which he considered all 
the usual topics of order, industry, economy, &c. : but with 
these he gave a very correct view of the religious obliga- 
tions of heads of families. After going over the whole 
subject, he put the question to his parents, whether their 
views coincided with his on those important points, and on 
the obligations of parents. He then, in turn, addressed his 
sisters on the subject of vital, experimental religion, with 
great earnestness ; rejoicing on account of those members 
of the family who gave evidence of piety, and expressing 
the deepest solicitude in regard to the rest. These letters 
are not suitable for publication ; but they certainly exhibit 
this most zealous young man in a very interesting point of 
view. Few Christians feel as they ought their obligations 
to the souls of their near kindred. And many who do in 
some degree appreciate them, are so injudicious, as to time, 
manner, and spirit, as to do harm in many cases where they 
meant to do good. It was not so in this instance. J. T.'s 
labours of love were blessed in an eminent degree to his 
kindred, as will more fully appear in the sequel. 

It appears from the correspondence in my hands, that 
my young friend was very careful in keeping a diary, in 
which he noted down his religious exercises, his joys and 
sorrows, his performances of duty, and his sins. None of 
these papers, however, have come into my hands, except 
parts of his journals for the years 1823, 4, 5, 6, 7. The 
rest have been destroyed. His confidential letters which 
have been preserved, show great vigilance of self-inspection, 
much humility under a sense of defective holiness, and 
strong desires to make greater advances in the knowledge 
of Christ: as will appear from the following extracts from 
letters to an eminent Christian, with whom he corresponded 
in terms of the greatest intimacy. 

" May 9th, 1820. 
44 Alas ! how distressing to the soul is a sense of the 
departure of the Comforter ! Let me call on you to unite 
with me in praising the Lord, that the darkness has, in 
some degree, gone by. The billows have rolled over me-;, 



Memoir. 



43 



but thanks to our blessed Lord, that his mercy was not 
clean gone for ever. 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within hie, bless his holy name,' for the Sun of right- 
eousness has risen upon me," 

"July 11th, 1820. 

" Do you ask, ' how is it with you V Oh , I am the 

same inconstant, unsteady one, you have always seen me to 
be ;— the same unfruitful vine, on which barrenness seems 
to be written. O sin, thou art the enemy of my soul ! It is 
for this my heart is pained. It is the cause of all our trouble 
in this world ; and while it digs graves for our bodies, it 
kindles the fires of hell for the souls of those who love 
it. But I think that I really hate sin, and love holiness. 
Yet I must say, that I am not satisfied with any of my 
performances, because so much sin is mixed with them. 
Nothing short of perfect holiness can ever satisfy the soul." 

" November 18th, 1820. 
" I feel myself* as heretofore* unworthy of the regard of 
my Christian friends ; and at times I am astonished that any 
should love such a one as I am. Surely if they could see 
me, as I sometimes see myself, they would wonder too. * * * 
Alas ! in all things I come short, and in many I offend, 
Yet I bless the Lord for what He has done for me, and I 
rely on His grace to make me more like himself, My soul 
daily pants for more holiness, more devotedness to the cause 
of my Redeemer ; and through Him I do hope to be made 
useful." 

To another friend, a candidate for the ministry, he says: 

"February 10th, 1820. 
" I wish that I could give you some good account of myself. 
But I am too little engaged in my Master's service. Spirit- 
ual pride, that bane of the human soul, lurks within me, and 
is ever ready to destroy my peace. Many and strong are 
my temptations to sin. Sometimes I stand strong ; and then 
I am brought low. But this I can say, that with divine help, 
I will serve the Lord. I am determined to carry on the 
warfare, until every enemy is subdued.^ 

It would seem from the style of his letters about this 
period, that his reading for spiritual improvement, was much 



44 



MEMOIR. 



in the old writers of the seventeenth century, those noble 
men, who with some quaintness of manner, showed a most 
intimate acquaintance with the Bible, a profound knowledge 
of the most secret workings of the human heart, and a fer- 
vour of piety rarely equalled in the world. Writing to a 
friend, who had been walking in darkness, he addressed him 
in language certainly derived from these sources, as the 
following sentences will show. " The greater the conquest, 
the brighter the crown. Stars shine brightest in the darkest 
night— torches are better for beating. Grapes come not to 
the proof, till they come to the press. Spices smell best 
when bruised. Young trees root the faster for shaking : gold 
looks brighter for scouring: juniper smells sweetest in the 
fire : the palm tree proves the better for pressing. Camomile, 
the more you tread it, the more you spread it. Such is the 
condition of God's dear children : they are then most tri- 
umphant, when most tempted; most glorious, when most 
afflicted ; most in favour with God, when least in man's, and 
least in their own; as their conflicts so their conquests; as 
their tribulations so their triumphs : true salamanders, that 
live best in the furnace of persecution. So that heavy afflic- 
tions are the best benefactors of heavenly affections ; and 
where afflictions hang heaviest, corruptions hang loosest: 
and grace that is hid in nature, as sweet water in rose 
leaves, is then most fragrant when the fire of affliction is 
put under, to distil it out. Let us then be encouraged, in all 
our trials, to say, 1 Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise 
him.' " 

In the year 1820, the General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian church appointed a day of humiliation, thanksgiving, 
and prayer, to be observed in all the churches. On that day 
James Taylor felt it to be his duty to retire, and especially 
to note down topics for meditation, suitable to the season. 

Reasons for thankfulness. 

1. That through the greater part of his life, he had 
enjoyed good health, while many had suffered much pain 
and sickness. 

2. That the necessities of nature had been abundantly 
supplied, while many had pined in want. 

3. Civil, and especially religious liberty. On this he 
dwells with peculiar interest and force ; contrasting our situ- 
ation with that of most nations of the earth. 

4. But that which calls for double thanks, is the foundation 



MEMOIR, 



43 



and preservation of the church ; the preaching of the gospel, 
and the administration of the ordinances in their purity, 
He here expresses his decided preference of the Presbyterian 
church, chiefly on the ground of its superior charity and 
liberality to other denominations. Still, however, expressing 
the belief that among others there is sincere love to all who 
bear the image of Christ. 

5. A very special reason for thankfulness is, the number 
and the power of revivals of religion, as they had occurred 
during the preceding, and part of the present year. • 

6. Next to this he places pious relations and friends. 

7. Last, though not least, he places the dispensation of 
Providence, which had carried him to Lawrenceville to study 
for the ministry. Great honour had thus been conferred on 
him, and heavy responsibilities laid on him. 

This leads him to ask, what he had rendered to the Lord 
for all his mercies. And this question suggests causes for 
humiliation. 

1. Neglect of opportunities of doing good. 

2. Backsliding, coldness, formality in religious service. 

3. The imperfection of his example as a Christian. 

4. Negligence in self-examination and closet exercises 
generally. 

His prayer is for an increase of true religion, especially 
in himself : that he may to faith add virtue ; to virtue know- 
ledge; to knowledge temperance; to temperance patience, 
and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kind- 
ness : to brotherly kindness charity. 

Thus we see how J. T. spent the first year of his pre- 
paratory course, as far as concerned the cultivation of his 
heart, and the acquirement of a spirit suited to the pulpit. 
And these are the points, it will be remembered through this 
work, that we are attempting to illustrate. 

He began the Latin grammar in February ; and at the 
close of the year was reading Virgil. What was the par- 
ticular course of his studies does not appear. The same, 
however, it is presumed, which is generally required to fit 
students for Nassau-Hall. 

1821. 

The correspondence of this year shows a state of mind 
very similar to that already exhibited. There appears the 
same active zeal in the cause of Christ, and the same earnest 
desire to make progress in holiness. 



46 



MEMOIR. 



On the first day of the year, he writes to one of his most 
valued Christian friends as follows : 

"I have found this a good day to my soul ; and I know 
that you will be gratified to hear some of the particulars. 
This morning I returned home from a prayer-meeting, 
which I conducted last evening, about four and a half miles 
from L. Of this meeting I will tell you more by and by. 
On my arrival, I retired to my room, and found it good to 
spend half an hour on my knees ; because it was delightful 
to adore and praise the greatness, goodness, mercy, and long 
suffering patience of God ; it was good to have the privilege 
of pouring out my heart before him. O how astonishingly 
condescending is that great and fearful One, 1 who inhabiteth 
eternity and the praises thereof,' that he should deign to 
visit a worm, a creature of a day, whose tabernacle is in the 
dust! I felt myself 'less than the least of all his mercies. 5 
But the Lord does condescend to regard those whose hearts 
are broken on account of sin. He will give ear to their sup- 
plications, while they pour out their hearts before him, and 
cast their burdens, however great, on him. They are privi- 
leged to tell him all — guilt and fear, sins and sorrows, cares 
and crosses, wants and dangers, weaknesses and tempta- 
tions, darkness, ignorance, doubts, anxieties, whether for 
themselves or others, the church or the world. I found it 
good, while I was ready to hide my face for shame, to confess 
my short-comings, my negligence, my wanderings from the 
path of duty during the past year. I found it good to cry for 
mercy to pardon, and for grace to help in time to come; good 
to bless, and praise, and magnify the holy name of the Lord, 
for his loving-kindness in giving me a goodly heritage, and 
casting my lot in pleasant places. I found it good to lay my 
necessities before him, and to offer my body a living sacrifice 
to him, whose I am, by creation, preservation, redemption, 
and I hope by adoption. I found it good, and at this season, 
peculiarly solemn, to dedicate myself, and all that I have 
and am, to his service and glory, and resolve, through grace, 
to walk in the way of his commandments, and do, as well 
as suffer, his whole will concerning me. I found it good to 
plead, that I might have faith, hope, and charity; that I 
might be crucified unto the world, and the world be cruci- 
fied unto me; that I might be delivered in time of trouble, 
and have grace to overcome all my spiritual enemies ; that 
I might be humble, ever lying at the foot of the cross, and 



MEMOIR, 



47 



looking- to the Saviour as my sacrifice, my advocate with 
the Father, my prevailing intercessor, my salvation; yea, 
all my salvation and desire, for time and for eternity. Yes, 
I found it good to call on the name of the Lord ; and after- 
wards I found it good to read the scriptures, to meditate, and 
engage in self-examination. 

" Part of the afternoon I spent in visiting my acquaintances, 
I called to see a daughter of affliction, one of whom I have 
spoken to you before. She has not, for eighteen years, been 
free from lameness; and for sixteen has been entirely unable 
to walk Yet she rejoices in the midst of all her sufferings, 
knowing that the rod which is on her, is not that of a tyrant, 
but of her heavenly Father, who afflicts, but not willingly, 
the children of men. She triumphs in the prospect before 
her, and well she may, for there remaineth for her a rest 
beyond the skies. I found it good to be with this suffering 
Christian. 

" The evening has been spent in worshipping the Lord, 
and in supplicating his blessing on a ruined world. It was 
good to be there. And now I find it good to address my 
friend in Christ. 

*' But I must tell you more of the meeting, which I attended 
last evening. And I have good news for you — tidings 
which have gladdened the hearts of some here, and have 
occasioned joy in heaven. In that neighbourhood, about 
twenty souls have, as we hope, been born again. The 
meeting last night was a solemn one. The attention of the 
audience was fixed, while I addressed them for more than 
half an hour. After singing and prayer, I addressed them 
again. The meeting then closed, and they who had been 
lately brought into the kingdom stood around, while I con- 
versed with them, for the purpose of encouraging them to be 
steadfast, and to fight manfully the battles of the great Captain 
of salvation. The converts are mostly young, one not more 
than thirteen years old. The good work seems to be 
increasing. May it go on and prosper, and spread all 
around. 

" Thus, , you see how I spent the last evening of the 

old year, and the first day of the new. May every succeed- 
ing day and year find us ripening for that place, where time 
and change are unknown — for a seat at God's right hand, 
where are pleasures forever more ! We shall be satisfied, 
when we awake in his likeness. Pray for me, that I may 
be humble and faithful." 

5 



48 



MEMOIR. 



14 January 7th, 1821. 

" On asking* myself this evening How shall I answer life's 
great end, which is to glorify God? the following passage 
of scripture came into my mind : Titus ii. 12. * Teaching us 
that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live 
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.* O 
how much is comprised in this lesson! It comprises all 
branches of our duty — what we owe to ourselves, to our fel- 
low men, and to our Creator. * To deny ungodliness and 
worldly lust,' what is it, but to abandon all those evil courses 
which wicked men are found in? 'To live soberly/ is, in a 
right manner, to govern all our appetites and passions. To 
live 'righteously,' is to do to others as we would that they 
should do to us. And to live 'godly, 7 is to hold communion 
with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. ! how fit and 
right is it, that we should thus live. It is a life such as this, 
which is connected with 'peace in believing,' and 'joy in 
the Holy Ghost.' 

" You concluded your last letter, with the exhortation of the 
apostle, ' To do good and communicate, forget not.' I add 
as a comment, 

1 Blest is the man who spends his day, 

In acts of good to those around ; 
His is the path which surely ends, 

Where all shall be with glory crown'd.' " 

His deep concern for the salvation of his kindred, and the 
delicacy manifested in his endeavours to promote a more 
spiritual religion in his fathers family, have already been 
mentioned. In May of this year, he adopted the expedient 
of addressing a letter to his parents, brothers, and sisters, 
who were heads of families. The general subject of this 
letter is, the responsibility of parents. It is not suited for 

fmblication. But it is a remarkable instance of delicate fide- 
ity. The duties of the relation are urged with great 
earnestness ; and in a manner well suited to make any one, 
who had not taken a decided stand on the subject of religion, 
in his family, deeply feel his deficiency. But in it, there is 
nothing inconsistent with the highest filial reverence, and 
the respect due from a younger to his elder brothers. 

To the letter is subjoined a long postscript, addressed to 
two young sisters, who had not manifested any serious 



MEMOIR, 



49 



concern for the salvation of their souls. It contains a most 
solemn and affectionate warning of their danger, and en- 
treaties that they would, in early life, devote themselves with 
all the heart to the service of their Creator and Redeemer. 

The following extracts from a letter to his mother, dated 
15th April, 1821, (when he was just twenty years old,) may 
very well be subjoined, 

" The day of my birth, I hope that I shall, at all times, 
have reason to bless, and observe with thankful remem- 
brance. But I hope that I shall have more abundant reason 
to bless and triumph in the day of my death, because, I trust, 
it will introduce me into a new and glorious existence. 

" O ! my dear mother, how much have I cost you. In my 
infancy, while hanging on your breast, I doubt not that 
I witnessed many a tear, and many an anxious sigh, 
although entirely unconscious of your solicitude, and of my 
helplessness. O what tenderness was manifested to me ! 
what care to rear me up, and preserve me from every ill ! 
How many sleepless nights have you spent on my account \ 
Did the thought, at that period, ever enter your mind 5 that 
you were training up a little immortal, destined to be a ser- 
vant of the most High % Did you look on me as one, whom 
you might afterwards hear, as a herald of the cross, bear- 
ing the unsearchable riches of Christ, preaching a crucified 
Saviour to guilty and dying man ? 

" Instead of indulging such pleasing hopes, perhaps my 
fond mother thought of the innumerable evils to which I 
might be exposed in the slippery paths of youth ; or of the 
no less numerous dangers with which manhood is sur- 
rounded. You might have contemplated me as a compa- 
nion of those, who wander from the ways of the Lord, and 
walk in the paths of the destroyer. And perhaps in your 
maternal fears, you sighed, and said, Can it — ah ! shail it 
ever be — that this child will bring grief to his father, and 
sorrow to the mother who bore him ? Did you not pray 
that God would undertake for me, and avert the storms to 
which the young voyager of life would be exposed % He 
has heard your prayers 5 an answer has been sent: but not 
before I had done much to blast your hopes, and increase 
your fears. O ! how kind, how gracious was the unseen, 
but not unfelt hand, that turned me from my evil ways, and 
4 sweetly forced me in.' Well may I sing songs of deli- 
verance, and shout — 4 a miracle of grace !' " 
5 



50 



MEMOIR, 



He then adverts to a very dangerous attack of typhus 
fever, which he had in his twelfth year, when every one 
expected that he would die. And, to heighten his feelings 
of filial gratitude, he dwells on the great kindness of his 
mother, in watching by him, and nursing him during his 
protracted illness. 

It seems that his death appeared so certain, that some kind 
friend prepared a shroud for him. On alluding to this cir- 
cumstance, he asks, with great solemnity, Mother, " how 
were you exercised, when taking your last look at me? Alas? 
had I been cut down at that time, I should have been cut 
down as a cumberer of the ground. My peace was not 
then made with God. Death would have consigned me to 
the ' blackness of darkness, and to everlasting despair. 7 
Who, but God, could have averted the stroke which was 
levelled at my head? # * * 

"But your son, who was once on the verge of the grave* 
yet lives ; and lives in the enjoyment of Heaven's blessing. 



being extensive!} 7 - useful in the church. At least, his desire 
is to spend his days in the cause of that dear Redeemer, 
who gave his soul a sacrifice for sin, 4 that we might not 
perish, but have everlasting life.' To compensate you for 
your sighs and tears, your fearful apprehensions and 
anxieties, see what God hath wrought. Out of our number, 
it seems that he hath chosen me to be a minister of the 
everlasting gospel. May I be prepared to labour in his 
vineyard I 

" I expect to occupy my present place for two years after 
the ensuing fall. I expect then to enter college, so advanced 
as to remain there only two years, After which I shall go 
to the theological seminary for three years. As to my 
life after that, I can make no conjecture. Only I can say, 
that I hope to devote my life to the service of God, soul, 
body, and spirit. Yes, I had rather fall a sacrifice to my 
labours, than be lukewarm and dead in his service. My 
whole self I would consecrate to Him, in whatever sphere 
the Lord of the harvest may see fit to appoint me to labour * 
whether at home or abroad, on the land or on the sea. 

" God has blessed us both, and been very kind to us in 
times past — -let us trust in him for time to come. The Lord 
has blessed you, my mother, in permitting you to see the 
prospect of my entering the ministry: and he has blessed you 
in your other children, my dear brothers and sisters. May 




permitted to indulge the hope of 



MEMOIR. 



51 



they, who have professed the religion of Christ, be faithful, 
and keep their garments unspotted from the world. And 
may the rest, who are yet far on\ be brought nigh, and be 
united with us, in the bonds of an everlasting covenant ; may 
the Lord by his Spirit convince them of sin, of righteousness, 
and of judgment, and make them heirs of the grace of life : 
that parents and children may all unite in anthems of praise, 
in the upper sanctuary." 

The letter concludes with particular addresses to the se- 
veral members of the family, containing appropriate, and 
most earnest exhortations. 

To C. H . 

"5th July, 1821. 
"My Brother, — O that I could, with the humble confidence 
of a little child, raise my voice to heaven, and with the faith 
of assurance, cry, 4 Abba, Father ! my Father — my recon- 
ciled Father and portion, in and through Jesus Christ ! O 
that I could lift up my heart, having the witness of the spirit, 
and say to Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer from sin and 
death : my advocate with the Father, and prevailing inter- 
cessor ; my prophet, priest, and king ; my salvation ; my all 
in all ! O, that I could know the Holy Spirit to be my sanc- 
tifier, guide, and comforter I 5 But to my shame, I do not pos- 
sess that unshaken confidence which I want. I can indeed 
say, that not this world, nor ten thousand more, could pur- 
chase the hope which I have. And if I know my own heart, 
I do think that the desire to have God as my Father, Jesus 
as my Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as my Sanctifier, is pre- 
dominant. But yet I feel that, whereas I ought to be a full 
grown man in Christ, I am only a babe. To think that I 
have been now five years a professor of religion, and have 
made so little progress, is indeed a cutting thought. Alas, 
I feel myself to be far behind those, who set out with me in 
the divine life. 

1 O for a breeze, a heavenly gale, 
To waft me through this gloomy vale, 
That I may join the joyful band 
In Canaan's fair and happy land.' 

" Since our last separation, my course has been varied. The 
Lord has been good. I have had seasons of enjoyment. Bless- 
5* 



52 



MEMOIR. 



ed be our heavenly Father, that I should at any season, he 
permitted to sip of the good cup by the way. To many 
the water of life is dealt out more bountifully. My un- 
faithfulness and unbelief hinder the blessing. O how 
much reason have I to chide and upbraid myself for past 
offences. # # # 

" While we are preparing for the holy ministry, arid look- 
ing forward to it, our constant desire should be to bring many 
sons and daughters into the kingdom : also to build up the 
humble believer in his most holy faith. And what a delight- 
ful task will that be to us ! — While we are in the school of 
the prophets, may the Lord impart to us a right knowledge 
of ourselves and of him — may he endow us plentifully with 
heavenly gifts — convince us thoroughly of sin — give us 
true, unfeigned repentance — strong faith in Jesus Christ — 
and that zeal and love which characterize the humble, meek^ 
lowly, devoted, self-denying, spiritual, heavenly-minded child 
of God — and thus furnish us for every good work. Whether 
we shall ever go into the vineyard of our Lord, is known 
only to him. The harvest truly is great, and the labourers 
are few. Should we enter the field, may we be found wise 
as serpents and harmless as doves — baptized with the Holy 
Ghost and with fire. 

" But I think that our views should not be altogether di- 
rected to the end of our preparatory course. There are 
many opportunities now of doing good. The call from many 
a lowly cottage is, 1 Come over and help us V And we ought 
to inquire for persons to whom we may be useful. If in- 
deed we feel as we ought, we hold ourselves to be very small 
and unworthy. But we are looked upon by those around 
us, as having already entered on a ministerial course, and 
we have a particular character to sustain. Occupying such 
a situation, how necessary it is that we should be circum- 
spect, and walk worthy of our vocation. 

11 A few days since, I had some interesting intelligence 
from the east. The good work appears to be going on. Some, 
whom I left distressed, have obtained a hope. The time is 
coming, when 'a nation shall be born in a day.' We may 
see greater things than our eyes have ever yet witnessed. 
O ! may the preciousness of immortal souls, and our respon- 
sibility to God, to ourselves, and to others, be written on our 
hearts, as with a pen of iron, and the point of a diamond. 
And may we be kept very humble, and very sensible of our 
entire dependence 1 Farewell." 



MEMOIR. 



53 



Extract of a letter to his sister M , July, 1821. 11 Per- 
haps you may wish to know how I have employed myself 
during* the past session. O! that I could tell you I had 
been faithful ! But alas ! in all things I come short, and in 
many, I offend. However, I have endeavoured to do, at least, 
a little for my Redeemer, by visiting the people of this neigh- 
bourhood, and conversing with them on the concerns of their 
souls. In several instances, I have been encouraged. The 
prayer-meetings are continued every other Sabbath. I have 
also been engaged in several other places. I am about es- 
tablishing a Sunday school for coloured people, at the vil- 
lage where I hold my meetings. I hope that you are actively 
engaged in your sphere. Our working days will soon be 
over, and the consideration ought to sink deep into our hearts. 
Souls may be waiting for us to be the means of their con- 
version. * Up and be doing,' should be our motto." 

To . 

"October, 1821, 
" Knowing that you feel anxious about your friend, I give 
you early information of my safe arrival in L., and of the 
improvement of my health. I am nearly well of my cold — 
but alas! I am compelled to say that my heart is not warm 
on a subject, on which I ought to be all on fire. * Pray 
for me, that the Sun of righteousness may arise with heal- 
ing in his beams ; that my doubts and fears may all be re- 
moved; that my sorrow may be turned into joy. You 
know how painful it is to be under a cloud. * * But 
blessed be the Lord, I know that I do want more religion ; 
and that my chief desire is to be holy. Nothing can satisfy 
me, but the eternal fountain of life and light. 

' Return, O holy Dove, return, 

Sweet messenger of rest ; 
I hate the sins that made thee mourn, 

And drove thee from my breast' 

" After I had written the preceding, (the other evening,) 
I laid aside my paper, and took hold of Clark on the Pro- 
mises, when I met with the following passage. 1 The eter- 
nal God is thy refuge, and underneath thee are the everlast- 
ing arms. He shall drive out the enemy before thee ; and 
shall say, Destroy them. 1 From this I derived some encou- 
ragement. I have since found it good to wait on the Lord ; 
* 5* 



54 



MEMOIR. 



and feel strengthened to persevere. Pray for me, that I 
may hold fast, and hold on to the end. * * * * 

" December 8. — You will perceive by the date, that the 
above letter has been written some time. A private oppor- 
tunity of conveyance offered — but it was lost, by the sudden 
and unexpected departure of the gentleman. 

" I have reason to praise the Lord for his goodness to my 
soul, since I wrote the foregoing. Last Monday night par- 
ticularly, was a season of enjoyment to me. I enjoyed a 
delightful 4 time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 7 
It was our monthly prayer-meeting. I trust that I have not 
lost the blessed Saviour yet. The world, and all its enjoy- 
ments, appeared, and do still appear, diminutive and transi- 
tory. I felt, and still feel determined, the Lord helping me, 
to live nearer to him — * O ! for grace to love him more.' " 

To C. -. 

" Lawrenceville, December 1st, 1821. 

11 Since I wrote last, I have had quite a tour through Con- 
necticut. The occasion was this. While going to New 
York at the commencement of our vacation, on board the 
steamboat between New Brunswick and the city, I fell in 
with Major Ridge, an Indian chief, of the Cherokee tribe. 
My becoming acquainted with him seemed providential. I saw 
his credentials, which were very satisfactory, from our mis- 
sionaries — and finding him, a stranger in a strange land, 
without a guide, I offered to him my friendship. With this 
he seemed to be highly gratified. I conversed with him, as 
much as I could, about his country and its productions ; 
about the missionaries, schools, &c. among the Cherokees. 
This rendered our trip very agreeable. I was particularly 
pleased to have beside me, from the wilderness, one of those 
for whom so much exertion had been made. 

" On our arrival in New York, I conducted Major Ridge 
to my brother's, where the family immediately became in- 
terested in him. 

" On Sunday, he attended church and prayer-meeting. 
In the evening, I concluded to accompany him to Cornwall, 
where he had a son at school. Accordingly, on Monday 
morning, we set out for New Haven, where we tarried for 
the night. On Tuesday, we went to Litchfield. The coun- 
try from New Haven to Litchfield is beautifully diversified 
with hill and dale. I passed through the place where Mr. 



MEMOIR, 



55 



Newton formerly resided, who went with the last mission 
family to the Osages. 

" I found Litchfield a beautiful place, situated on a com- 
manding* eminence, from which one may look over a very 
fine range of country. There I saw Mr. Nettleton. 

" On Wednesday, we arrived at Cornwall. It is a small 
village, on a plain surrounded with mountains. But to re- 
turn to my companion. He manifested very great pleasure 
in meeting with his son. Both parental and filial affection 
were strongly displayed. Tears stole gently down the 
cheeks of both father and son; so that for some time they 
were incapable of much conversation. When they had be- 
come more composed, the father through his son began, 
apparently with much feeling, to express his gratitude for 
my unexpected attention. During the afternoon, I had an 
interview with the son. He is nearly my size, about 
eighteen years of age, possesses an intelligent mind, uses 
good language, and exhibits refined manners. He has been 
nearly three years at Cornwall, and has made rapid pro- 
gress. He is regarded as a youth of first rate talents. But 
he appeared quite a stranger to his own heart. 

" In the evening, I attended a conference meeting conduct- 
ed by the young men, and heard some of the heathen youth 
speak and pray ! David Brown is particularly interesting. 

" Next day, I had an interview with Major Ridge just 
before I left him. Mr. Brown was my interpreter. At the 
elose, the Major gave me the assurance that he would here- 
after give his whole mind to the subject of religion. His 
wife has become a member of the church in the wilderness ; 
and he is desirous of becoming a member too. 

" I left Cornwall on Thursday. Mr. Brown accompanied 
me as far as the burying ground, to view the stone erected to 
perpetuate the memory of Henry Obookiah. Many pleasing 
and many painful ideas are associated with that place. It was 
there David Brown and I said farewell, — and parted. * * * * 

" It will be glad tidings to you to hear that my brother F. 
is expecting to study for the ministry. I have some hope 
that he will be with me soon. Is not this the Lord's doing ? 
May it prove to be so !" 

The following extract is from a letter addressed to the 
Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss, an aged clergyman, of Saybrook, Con- 
necticut, with whom he was in habits of friendly intercourse, 
and in whose family he was intimately acquainted. 



56 



MEMOIR. 



" Is it well with your youngest daughter ; I mean, is she 
now rejoicing in that 'hope which maketh not ashamed, 
because of the love of Christ shed abroad in the heart, 
through the Holy Spirit given unto her ?' Such seemed to 
be her case, when I had the pleasure of seeing her. And, 
if it be really so, you are ready, no doubt, to bless the great 
Redeemer, for his grace in thus visiting your house, in the 
decline of life. May she grow daily in grace, and in the 
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! She has 
been the child of many prayers : may she love to pray, not 
only for herself but also for others — may I not add for me 
too, that the Lord would make me holy in heart and in life, 
to the praise of the glory of his grace ! 

" But when I was with you, your eldest daughter could 
not see that she had passed the line, which separates Chris- 
tians from the world. May I not hope that ere this, she has 
submitted herself to Christ? If so, how blessed the change ! 
A change which has not only imparted peace to her own 
soul, and gladness to her parents and Christian friends, but 
joy to the angels in heaven. She has had to record one of 
the happiest events in the annals of her pilgrimage — it is an 
era in her existence, on which she will reflect with peculiar 
pleasure and gratitude, not only in time, but through eter- 
nity. O ! that I could know that it is thus, — well with her. 
But if, indeed, she has made no progress : if she has not yet 
1 apprehended Christ Jesus' as her Saviour, and found him 
the ' chief among ten thousand,' I would ask her, why is it 
so ? 'Is there no balm in Gilead ;' 1 is there no physician 
there?' Has not the Father called you? does not Jesus 
invite you by his life of toil, by his agony in the garden and 
on the cross, by his death and burial, by his resurrection and 
glorious ascension ? And now being exalted as a Prince 
and a Saviour, is not his kind and winning language 
addressed to you, ' Come unto me ?' All heaven appears 
to be engaged to secure the salvation of returning sinners. 
You have been alarmed by feeling that you were in the city 
of destruction, — O stay not in all the plain, lest thou be con- 
sumed — but fly to the refuge provided for sinners by the 
sinner's friend. Your best interests call for it — the prayers, 
anxieties, and tears of your parents call for it. As you love 
your soul; as you value your everlasting all; as you ever 
hope to meet God in peace, and dwell for ever in heaven, do 
it. 01 do it\ — May the Lord have you all in his holy 
keeping!" 



MEMOIR. 



57 



The following was addressed to his parents, near the close 
of the year. It ought to be repeated that James T. was 
always, a very dutiful and affectionate son, according to the 
common ideas of duty and affection. But as religion gained 
strength in his heart, he judged of every thing by its high 
standard; and what ordinarily passes for the mere fitful 
waywardness of childhood, he judged and condemned by 
that law, which reaches to the inmost recesses of the heart. 
And he appears to have remembered and repented of what 
his parents had entirely forgotten. 

"L — — , December, 1821. 
" Beloved Parents, — When I call to mind, that you 
have not heard from me since I left New York, I feel that I 
have not manifested that love for you, that I ought. But you 
will excuse me, while I assure you that I find my affection for 
you, increasing instead of diminishing. * * * You know, my 
dear father and mother, that nearly two years have elapsed, 
since I arrived at this place, to begin my studies. How rapid 
has been their progress ! I feel disposed to rejoice, rather than 
to mourn, that the time has sped its flight. I look upon them 
as two years of preparation for that office, which I antici- 
pate with pleasure. And the faster our years fly, the better, 
if God be our Father, Jesus our Saviour, and the Holy Spirit 
our Sanctifier ; for the sooner shall we be wafted over life's 
tempestuous sea, and the sooner shall we reach the wished 
for haven. Glory to our heavenly benefactor, for devising 
the plan of salvation! Glory to our Redeemer, who accom- 
plished the mighty work ! And glory to the Holy Spirit, 
who applies it to our hearts and consciences ! Everlasting 
thanks to our God, if we have been made partakers of the 
grace of life ; if we are his sons and daughters ! Surely, it 
has been a work of his own on our hearts, and we ought to 
praise him. He is worthy of our highest homage, and best 
services. Then let us spend the remaining days of our 
pilgrimage to his honour ; that so, when we are done with 
earthly things, an abundant entrance may be administered 
unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. 

" What distinguishing mercy has been displayed to our 
family 1 But to mt in particular: to me in particular — and 
you may well wonder at, and admire that divine grace, 
which 4 sweetly forced me in.' Once I was a child of many 
anxieties, and the occasion of many sorrows. I feel that in 



58 



MEMOIR. 



my childhood, I often caused you to suffer much pain on 
my account. But it was all parental tenderness and affec- 
tion on your part — O! forgive me, the fol-ies of my youth- 
ful days, my obstinacy, self-will, disobedience, and rebellion. 
I know that you have forgiven me ; but I cannot forgive 
myself. No ! my ingratitude to you, the kindest and best of 
parents, is a reproach to me. May God forgive me— yea, I 
trust he has forgiven me, wherein I have been guilty in break- 
ing this his command, ' Honour thy father, and thy mother.' 

" Once my home was under your roof — once I sat at your 
table — once I enjoyed the society of your family circle — and 
once I could call to you by the endearing appellation of 
father, and mother. But now I am far away. My home, my 
table, my society are among strangers. They, however, are 
my friends: this I am persuaded is of the Lord's kindness. 
And as he has been good to me in times past, I can trust 
him in time to come. * # * * 

" Did not the Lord, when he gave me to you, say, 4 Take 
this child and nurse him for me ; and I will give thee thy 
wages.' For all your goodness to me, (unworthy, as I am,) 
may heaven's best blessings rest upon you. And may I be 
an honour to my father, and to the mother who bore me ! — 
may I glorify my heavenly Father ; and be made a bless- 
ing to society! O may I not live a cipher in this world, 
but be made extensively useful. For this, let me ask your 
continual, earnest, united prayers." 

No particular notice is given of James Taylor's progress 
in study this year; and indeed nothing appears on that sub- 
ject, except an occasional remark to a correspondent, that he 
" keeps up with his class." 

But the extracts made from his letters show, it is thought, 
very distinctly an increase in his piety — and in his religious 
enjoyments. He appears during this part of his life to be 
gradually raising higher his standard of ministeral holiness 
and usefulness. Our object is to enable the reader to mark 
as distinctly as possible the progress in real, decided, heart- 
felt religion, made from year to year by this loved and la- 
mented young man. 

1822. 

On the first of January, 1822, we find in a letter to a 
valued and confidential Christian friend, a brief statement 
of his religious views at that period. 



MEMOIR. 



59 



" The last time I wrote, you recollect the state of my 
mind. Since then, the Lord has been better than my expecta- 
tions. I have had some precious seasons. I have known 
what it is to hold communion with my heavenly Father, and 
with his Son Jesus Christ, through the Eternal Spirit. My 
closet duties have afforded my highest enjoyments, not 
always indeed, equally great, but generally delightful. 

" During this year, may I, and may you, be more than 
ever engaged in the Lord's service. I am desirous to spend 
and be spent for Him — to live the life of the righteous. But 
we may not live to see its close. This morning I was medi- 
tating on the words in Matt. xxvi. 18. My time is at hand; 
and I thought that if it should be the Lord's will to take me 
to himself this year, yea even this day, I should rejoice at 
my departure. The grave seemed to lose its terrors — 
heaven and its glories appeared to be in sight — my soul was 
joyful. — O to live religion — to have heaven in view, the 
love of God in the heart, the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
under one's feet ! — Then come life, come death, all, all will 
be well." ***** 

" I have kept this letter by me for several days, in hopes 
of a private conveyance. When I wrote the above, I had 
abundant cause to bless the Lord for his goodness. At pre- 
sent, I have still more, for he has dealt bountifully with me. 

! my friend, I am tired of living by halves. God says, 
* Son, give me thy heart.' I answer, O, for an entire surren- 
der — I long for complete deliverance from remaining cor- 
ruption ; for sanctification in soul, body, and spirit ; for that 
perfect love, which casteth out all fear — and until I attain 
this, I shall feel that I shall be unfit to be a minister of Jesus 
Christ. I am not altogether satisfied that I have been 
called to this great work, 1 as was Aaron.' I cannot say that 

1 have been called with that assurance that I wish to feeL 
I dare not say that I have not. But I wish to know that I 
have : pray that I may always be found in the path-way of 
righteousness, and ask my friends to pray for me." 

It deserves to be noticed, that our young friend was, in a 
remarkable degree, exempt from sectarian feelings. Although 
sincerely attached to a particular denomination, I find 
among his papers evidence of most affectionate regard to 
the pious members of other churches. Among other tokens 
of enlarged and liberal feeling, it may be mentioned, that 
he had correspondence with students of theology and private 
6 



60 



MEMOIR. 



members of the Episcopal and Methodist churches ; ana 
that the interchange of fraternal affection and Christian ex- 
hortation, was characterized by perfect confidence, and entire 
freedom. This is what we may expect, when professors of 
Christianity have the spirit of their religion. It is truly 
a religion of love ; it prevails over narrow feelings, and ex- 
tends communion to all, of every name, who show them- 
selves to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. 

In extracts from former letters, we gave an account of 
James Taylor's kind attentions to Major Ridge, a Cherokee, 
who was in New York on a visit to his son, then a student 
at the Foreign Mission school at Cornwall, Conn. It is 
pleasing to observe what impression this kindness made on 
the heart of the Indian, and we are sure that the reader will 
be gratified to see a copy of a letter dictated by Ridge, and 
sent to Mr. Taylor aftter his return home, in answer to one 
which our young friend had written to him. 

"Ride's Ferry, Cherokee Nation, 
"Feb. 19, 1822. 

11 My very dear Friend, — I rejoiced greatly to receive 
a letter from you. I had thought we were far from each 
other. But when I received your letter, it seemed as if you 
was near. I feel rejoiced to hear from you, and will con- 
verse with you as much as I can on paper. 

" Dear friend, we were made acquainted by a kind Pro- 
vidence ; and I hope I shall never forget all your kindness 
to me. When I think of New York, it seems near, and I 
feel almost as if there. When I went there I was a stran- 
ger, and you were so kind as to be my guide and assistant 
to the place where my son was, for which I am under great 
obligations of gratitude. You not only rendered me all 
necessary assistance on the way, but when we arrived at 
Cornwall, you w T as so kind as to converse with me on the 
subject of religion. What you told me I ought to do, I am 
now fully determined to do. I think I can say now, that I 
do seek the Saviour; but I do not find him. I hope the 
Lord will hear my prayers, and enable me to find the right 
way. I thank you for, and rejoice to think of what you 
told me. I also rejoice that the missionaries here tell me 
the same ; and that there are some, even in this land, who 
care for my soul. 

" I scarcely know what to say that will be most import- 
ant. I think that I shall always remember your kind ad- 



MEMOIR, 61 

vice, and hope we shall be friends as long as we live in this 
world. I am trying to do good, and to seek the Lord; 
and though I do not find him, I still hope that he is not far 
from me, but will help me, and give me a new heart. I rejoice 
to find, by your letter, that you do not forget me • and as I 
am in your mind, I hope you will pray for me, as you did, 
when I was with you. I think that I shall never forget you. 
I think much of your brothers at New York, and feel thank- 
ful for all their kindness to me, Their wives also treated 
me with kindness. Remember me to them and all their 
children. 

44 1 stayed at New- York four days ; and then your bro- 
thers assisted me in finding a vessel to come to Savannah ; 
and I was but five days on my passage. I enjoyed good 
health until my arrival. But before I came home, I attended 
the council of my nation. I found my wife and children 
well. I told my Avife of all your kindness to me ; for which 
she was thankful, and sends her love to you. Your brother 
made me a present of a glass pipe, and also a present to my 
daughter Sally : these arrived safe. 

44 You wished me to tell you respecting our country. We 
have never had a line between us and the Creeks, and have 
had some fears, that this would occasion some difficulty. But 
this is now amicably settled ; and we have agreed where to 
have a line. Our country is now, I expect, about two hundred 
miles long, and perhaps one hundred and forty miles wide, in 
some places, and perhaps not so much. We have generally 
a good range for our stock, so as not to be obliged to feed 
them. 

44 1 feel thankful that you have written to my son at Corn- 
wall, to make your brother's house his home, when at New 
York. I feel as if he would be treated as I was when 
there. I hope we shall hear from each other. I will en- 
deavour to write, whenever I can get some one to write for me. 

44 As you are young, you may find it convenient to visit 
our country. If you should, I hope you will make my 
house your home. I hope, if it is the Saviour's will, you 
will be willing to come and visit our people. And if you 
should, you will be treated with kindness by them. I hope 
that you will write soon to the Cherokee boys at Cornwall, 
and let them know that you have heard from me. I am hap- 
py to state that the schools under the care of the missiona- 
ries in this country appear to prosper. Many of our 
children are now instructed. 

6 



62 



MEMOIR. 



" My dear friend, I will now bid "you farewell, and give 
you my right hand, and your brothers also. 

" Major Ridge." 

It will give the reader some idea of the active zeal of this 
young Christian, occasionally to insert extracts of letters ad- 
dressed to him by others, to whom he had been useful, in his 
excursions during vacation. The following is dated 25th 
February, 1822. 

11 On looking back on my life, and recalling past scenes, 
I remember with humility, with love and adoration, the oc 
currences of the past year. I adore the riches of that grace, 
which, I hope, plucked me as a brand from everlasting burn- 
ing. To you, my friend, I feel peculiarly grateful ; and as 
long as I live, I shall remember your faithful admonitions 
and prayers. I have reason every day to adore and praise 
that Providence, which directed you in my way, and made 
you an instrument of doing much good to my soul. When 
I first saw you, I was where I had been for years. I knew 
that I was a sinner ; that my situation was wretched ; and 
that to remain where I was, I must perish. But yet I made 
no exertions to escape. I was waiting for the irresistible 
influences of the Spirit; with the excuse that I could do 
nothing myself. You were employed by an overruling 
hand to rouse me from this state of awful stupidity and sin. 
Your words went like daggers to my guilty conscience, and 
wrought that conviction in my soul, which I had never ex- 
perienced before. It is needless for me to tell you what I 
then felt, as you were a witness to part of my anxiety and 
distress. You, also, saw the change which took place in 
my feelings. O happy seasons of delight — how I love to 
call them to remembrance! * *'* The Lord has not only 
been kind tome: but has extended his mercy to my be- 
loved companion : and, while we deserved nothing but 
wrath, has made us, as we hope, children of his grace, and 
heirs of everlasting life." 

It would be easy to give many similar passages from other 
letters. But our only object here is to show that this young 
academical student was made, to a surprising extent, useful 
in bringing sinners to a knowledge of their condition, and 
conducting them to Jesus Christ, as their Saviour. 

It is apparent, from a letter written to his friend Hyde, 



MEMOIR. 



63 



that his mind was chiefly occupied, however, with his own 
preparation for the ministry. And that while he wished to 
possess all the intellectual qualifications required, his first 
object was to make eminent attainments in holiness. 

44 March 9th, 1822. 

M You, no doubt, rejoice with me, that our friend Caulkins 
and my brother Fitch, have given themselves up for the 
work of the holy ministry. O, my brother, what a gracious 
Providence it is, that calls so many young men from the 
mercantile business to labour in the vineyard of our Lord. 
More than all, I wonder that I should be counted worthy to 
do any thing in the glorious work of salvation. How 
astonishing ! 'How condescending and how kind!' * * * * 
How signal was my escape ! When every thing indicated 
that my situation was fixed for life, and that I should have to 
spend my days in buying and selling, a kind Providence 
opened a way for me to enter upon my studies. You know 
what were my difficulties. I cannot, with the certainty I 
wish, say that I have been, and yet I dare not say that I have 
not been called of Heaven — no, I dare not. But, would I 
4 look back V — No, verily. I desire to be a minister of the 
gospel above and before all earthly things. My mind is bent 
on it, with the most earnest wish to spend and be spent in 
the Lord's service. How else could I be happy ? 

44 The work of the holy ministry is, we hope and trust, be- 
fore us. No doubt you have dwelt, as I have, on the neces- 
sary work of preparation with fear and much trembling, 
yet with satisfaction and joy. But yet it can never be 
amiss for us to stir up each other's minds by way of remem- 
brance. 

" That a minister of the gospel should be a converted man, 
is too plain, and commonly believed, for me to insist on. He 
must be born from above — be created in Christ Jesus unto 
good works — have his name written in heaven. Thither, 
when going out and coming in, at home and abroad, he 
should direct his affections and desires, his whole walk and 
conversation : there should he lay up his treasures, and 
look to heaven as his eternal home. Nothing can be more 
unbecoming in one who ministers in holy things, than 
worldly-mindedness. May God, of his infinite mercy, make 
us peculiarly humble minded ; and fit us to bear the vessels 
of the Lord, by imparting to us much of Enoch's spirit. 

14 A minister of Jesus Christ ought to be thoroughly fur- 
6* 



64 



MEMOIR. 



nished for his work. It need not be splendid furniture, to 
attract admiration; but solid, substantial, and fit for use. 
We must seek it in the store-house of grace. There is 
enough treasured up in Christ — may we receive from his 
fulness ! Let us make our Bibles and our experience our 
text books. 

" But the preacher must have a call from the great Head 
of the church, whose prerogative it is to raise up, qualify, 
and send forth labourers. Alas I how miserable must that 
man be, who preaches when he is not sent. None of the 
truths which he utters — none of the warnings which he 
gives, but reverberate, * Physician, heal thyself? O, may 
you and I have our commissions from Christ, to go into 
the world and preach his gospel. May we receive an unc- 
tion from the Holy One ; be set apart by the great High 
Priest of our profession ; be baptized with the Holy Ghost, 
and with the fire of divine love — love supreme towards God, 
ardent towards our brethren, and universal towards perish- 
ing sinners. May the Spirit of the Lord rest on our hearts 
as a spirit of prayer, a spirit of conversation, a spirit of ex- 
hortation, a spirit of preaching. Then, setting up our ban- 
ner in the name of the Lord, we shall destroy the works of 
the devil, and advance the interests of the Redeemer's king- 
dom. 

" A minister has great need to look well to all his mo- 
tives. Does he work for filthy lucre's sake % then he can- 
not prosper. Does he seek the honour that cometh from 
men, and not that which cometh from God only % then lean- 
ness and barrenness will rest on his heart, life, preaching, 
and conversation. O, may we enter the work to win souls 
to Christ, and have, as our great motive, the honour of our 
blessed Redeemer. May we forget every thing about ourselves, 
but our responsibility, the shortness of our lives, our final 
account, and our eternal state ; and may we always remem- 
ber that many, many souls, in their eternal interests, depend 
on our faithfulness. May God make us faithful. 

"The greatness of this work should rest like a heavy 
weight on our minds. O ! it is a work for eternity. The 
mischiefs of unfaithfulness here can never be repaired. To 
fail here, is to fail for ever. If souls are lost through our ne- 
glect, they are murdered. May we, with our might, do all 
for God. O! to be devoted servants of his, and workmen 
that need not be ashamed. Then, when we come to give an 
account of our stewardship, we shall have joy and not grief. 



MEMOIR. 



65 



"Ministers, of all others, should be holy men] Christians 
everywhere, and no common Christians; alwayss etting an 
example for the flock to imitate. O ! for perfect love ; for 
complete sanctification for the office which awaits us." 

It will be s«en, by all who read the preceding lines, that 
James Taylor— although possessing fully as good evidences 
of personal religion, as candidates for the ministry in most 
eases have — was, by no means, satisfied with his religious 
attainments. His daily and most earnest prayer was for 
higher and holier zeal, and more fervent love. He was 
fully persuaded that a Christian, in the use of the appointed 
means, might make continual progress in the divine life, 
and advance far beyond his then Christian stature. And 
this high attainment was the object of his continual desire. 
It seems too, that this year was one of the critical periods 
in his life. To a particular season, he, till the day of his 
death, was accustomed to refer, as the most extraordinary, 
the most peculiarly marked with the divine blessing, of any 
in the whole course of his life. It was also his desire, in a 
very earnest degree, that his Christian friends might fully 
understand all his views in regard to this subject ; and that, 
as far as his example might have any influence, both the 
blessings which he received, and the mistakes committed by 
him, in the want of experience, might be fully appreciated. 

The compiler of this memoir then, feels it to be his. duty 
to set this whole subject before the reader, in such a point 
of light, that the example of our deceased brother may be 
for encouragement and for warning. 

All persons, who believe in the doctrine of regeneration, 
believe that there is a point of time when one is born again. 
In very many cases, the mental exercises of that season are 
of a very marked character ; such as one who has experi- 
enced them never can forget. 

It is also true that there are, in the church, revivals of 
religion ; and that by these outpourings of the spirit, there 
is a great increase of the piety and zeal of Christians, as 
well as a turning of sinners from the error of their ways. 
It is indeed greatly to be lamented, that often there are 
strong religious excitements, and yet no growth in holiness. 
Events such as these are in a high degree pernicious, and 
greatly to be deprecated. Moreover, the careful observer 
of the history of religion need not be informed that, fre- 
quently, what go under the name of revivals of religion are 
6* 



66 MEMOIR. 

of a mixed character : among Christians, there is both an 
increase of religion, and an excitement of feeling beyond their 
growth in holiness. 

Now, what takes place among communities and large 
congregations, may also very well take place with indi- 
viduals, when all around are in a cold and stupid condition. 
If a private Christian feels deeply his deficiencies, and ear- 
nestly desires and pleads for a large increase of faith, re- 
pentance, love, and submission to the divine will: if he 
diligently reads the Bible, and uses all other appointed 
means for this "growth in grace;" he may, in a very spe- 
cial manner, be " baptized with the Holy Ghost," and have 
such manifestations of the divine presence, as to give him 
assurance of the divine favour, and cause him to rejoice 
with joy unspeakable and full of glory. By the continued 
use of the same means, there may be a repetition of the 
same blessings ; and, in a word, a great, yet gradual growth 
in holiness. Now, who can limit the blessings of grace, and 
the efficiency of means appointed by Jesus Christ, so as to 
determine what advances a Christian may make in the life 
of holiness ? This subject does not necessarily involve the 
disputed doctrine of perfection. The point before us is that 
which is very clearly laid down in scripture, as the privi- 
lege and duty of every Christian — progress in holiness, and 
high attainments in the spiritual life. James Taylor was 
convinced, as was remarked, of his. want of a greater vigour 
in the spiritual principle ; and he appeared to resolve that 
nothing should satisfy him, short of constant communion 
with heaven, and tk the joy of salvation." - But it deserves 
to be remarked, and our young friend, after he had obtain- 
ed greater knowledge and experience in religion, wished it 
to be known by all his friends, that a Christian, when under 
high excitements, when exceedingly happy in his religion, 
and free from all doubts of his acceptance, may yet be, in 
some points, greatly misled, in regard to particular duties ; 
and be prompted to do things which a sound conscience can- 
not approve, and the scriptures do clearly condemn. Yet 
there is this striking difference between him who is really 
under divine influences, and the mere enthusiast, that the 
Christian only needs to be better informed, as to the matters 
in which he has mistaken, to renounce his errors, and return 
into the right way ; while the enthusiast is so persuaded of 
his being under the direct influences of the Holy Ghost, 
that he regards any attempt, on the part of others, to in- 



MEMOIR. 



67 



struct him, as the highest presumption. The Holy Spirit 
teaches him, and he holds your reasonings and authorities 
in perfect contempt. The leading trait in the character of 
the true Christian is humility; in that of the enthusiast, 
spiritual pride and self-confidence. And, so frail a creature is 
man, that we often find strange mixtures, both of humility and 
of spiritual pride, in the same individual. It ought, however, 
to be remarked, that even real Christians may be, and often 
are, much mistaken in their judgments concerning others, 
in relation to this very thing. One who has, in the use of 
appointed means, made very great attainments in holiness, 
and who is daily happy in communion with his Saviour, 
will very certainly be characterised as a mystic, or an en- 
thusiast, by his brethren who have never gone beyond a 
state of painful doubt, and habitual uncertainty in regard to 
their acceptance. In reply to things of this sort, a Chris- 
tian may speak in a tone of confidence, and may exhibit a 
continual rejoicing, of which others, for want of experience, 
can form no correct opinion; and they will, of course, make 
up very harsh judgments respecting brethren, so much holi- 
er and happier than themselves. 

It seems certain, from the repeated declarations of our 
departed brother, that from the time he made a public pro- 
fession of religion, until the year 1822, he longed for, and 
with much earnestness sought for, clearer manifestations of 
the divine favour, and greater conformity to the divine will. 
He was under the abiding feeling that, without higher 
attainments in holiness, he never could enter the ministry. 
During the spring vacation of 1822, he visited his parents, 
and, as it would seem, resolved to consecrate this time of 
relaxation from study to the special object of seeking such 
an increase of religion, as would relieve him from many 
doubts, which harassed his mind. It was his privilege, at 
this period, to enjoy the society of some relatives, who, 
according to his account, were persons of very distinguished 
zeal and piety. He made much use of their conversation 
and prayers, as well as of other means for the accomplish- 
ment of his object. All his subsequent papers refer to the 
twenty -third of April, in this year, as the most important 
era in his Christian life. He then gave himself up to 
Christ, with a strength of purpose, a depth of feeling, and 
an unreservediiess, of which he had never before been con- 
scious. And he was made to partake of peace, of joy, of 
rapture, such as he had never experienced. It was a great 



68 



MEMOIR. 



revival of religion in his heart. He knew something of 
that "hope, which maketh not ashamed;" of that "perfect 
love, which casteth out fear ;" of that joy which is unspeak- . 
able and full of glory. In a great number of letters, written 
about this time, and years afterwards, he dwells on this sea- 
son, and its blessings. The fullest account, however, of the 
whole case, is given in a letter, dated May, 1823, more than 
a year afterwards. No apology will be offered for antici- 
pating the time, and introducing it here, because the event 
recorded had a very strong bearing on his religious charac- 
ter, and his whole future conduct. 

" Lawrenceville, May 11, 1823. 

"This is the Lord's day morning: and it comes to me a 
welcome Sabbath. I awoke with the sensible presence of 
the Saviour. How delightful the presence of Jesus ! It is 
He who makes us happy. Take him from the soul, and 
the sinner's hope of pardon is gone— take him from the 
Christian, and his peace is gone. If He is not with the 
believer, in the swellings of Jordan, he has no rod and staff 
to support him — take him from heaven, and it is no place of 
bliss. Truly Jesus Christ is all in all. 

" This day brings with it a privilege of no ordinary kind. 
It is that of witnessing the good profession of the church in 
this village, and of testifying to the world that I am on the 
Lord's side. Once more I am called to sit at the table of 
the Lord Jesus, and celebrate his dying love — may I do it 
in remembrance of him, penitently, humbly, with faith, with 
love, with peace, with joy ! I would remember him as the 
man who is Jehovah's fellow, (Zech. xiii. 7.) set up from 
everlasting— I would remember him, as the promised seed, 
who should bruise the serpent's head- — as- the looked for 
Shiloh — as the Messiah foretold by the prophets. I would 
remember him as already come — the babe of Bethlehem — 
the man of sorrows — the despised Nazarene — the friend of 
publicans and sinners. I would remember him, as volun- 
tarily humbling himself, and although rich, for our sakes 
becoming poor, that we through his poverty might be made 
rich. I would- remember him in the garden in his agony — 
before an earthly tribunal, though judge of all the earth — on 
the cross, thirsting, bleeding, groaning, dying, although he 
is the Lord of life and glory : I would remember him in 
the grave, in his resurrection, and in his various manifesta- 
tions to his disciples. In a word, I would remember him 



MEMOIR. 



69 



as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justi- 
fication. 

" What an honour, to have a name and a place among- his 
people here below. But what is a name and a place, if we 
are destitute of the badge of true discipleship ? I mean the 
badge of love — supreme love to God, universal love to 
men. 

" But I would remember the forbearance and mercy of 
him, whose name is love. I would never forget that four- 
teen years of my life were spent in folly and in sin ; and yet 
I was not cut down as a cumberer of the Lord's vineyard ; 
that by the Holy Spirit I was convinced of sin and eon- 
verted. I would remember Jesus as my best friend, in the 
midst of temptations, trials, and afflictions— as Him who has 
not only permitted me to taste of his grace; but has filled 
me with his 1 perfect love, which casteth out all fear,' 
save the filial fear of offending my Father. — I would indeed 
remember him as my Lord, my portion, and my all. 

" The Lord has often made himself known to me in the 
breaking of bread ; particularly during the last year. My 
soul has, indeed, been richly fed at the communion table. 
The intercourse between my heart and heaven, has been fre- 
quent and full. Jesus has been exceedingly precious. May 
I find the tabernacle of the Lord of hosts ' amiable' this 
day because of his presence — may the banner of Jesus over 
me be love ; and may his food be sweet to my taste ! Then 
shall I sit under the shadow of the Almighty ; my spiritual 
strength will be renewed; and I shall be happy in the Lord 
my Saviour. 

" i reperused with interest a letter received from you in 
1819. Among other things contained in it, I found the fol- 
lowing: — 'It is thought by some pious persons, that the 
course of study usually pursued, in the present day, by 
candidates for the ministry, is calculated to abate that fervour 
in religion which is so desirable.' However this may have 
appeared to the observation of others, I have not discovered 
it to be the case in many instances. On the contrary, it is to 
be hoped, that young men in a course of preparation for the 
sacred office, grow in grace, as they advance in knowledge. 
Surely, if they do not, they will have occasion to accuse 
themselves of base ingratitude, and very culpable negligence. 
That some are thus wofully remiss cannot be doubted. 
In the words of your correspondent, as quoted, they become, 
in the course of their education, ' very different men, with 



70 



MEMOIR. 



a very different kind of piety ; and time must show whether 
it is better or worse. 5 

"But thanks, everlasting thanks to the great Head of the 
church, that he has not suffered my graces to languish and 
die. It is to his rich grace that I owe it all. He has done 
great and wonderful things for me, since I commenced 
studying for the ministry. Shall I tell you ? My tongue 
could not, much less can my pen express the loving kind- 
ness of the Lord to me, who am less than the least of all 
his mercies. c Eternity is too short to utter all his praise.' 
But I may tell you some of the merciful dealings of the 
Lord to my soul. * * * 

"You will, doubtless, recollect how often I have com- 
plained to you of the littleness of my attainments in the 
divine life ; how much of sin was still remaining within 
me, notwithstanding my profession that I had crucified the 
world, the flesh, and the devil. I have had keener sorrows 
for indwelling sin, than I ever experienced before conver- 
sion. O the distress which I have felt on account of pride, 
envy, love of the world, and other evil passions, which have 
risen up and disturbed my peace, and separated between 
God and my soul. But the Lord heard my cries and 
groans, and was witness to my tears, and my desires for 
holiness. I pleaded and wrestled with him ; and — praise to 
his name ! — after six long years, I found what I had so long 
and so earnestly sought. It was on the 23d of April, 1822, 
when I was on a visit (in the town of Haddam) in Connec- 
ticut. Memorable day • The time and place will never, 
no, never be forgotten. I recur to it at this moment, with 
thankful remembrance. For then, through the great love 
and power of our Lord, my feet were set in a large place. 

" I cannot give you the particulars better than by making 
an extract from my journal: — 

" 1 For some days I have been desirous to visit some 
friends, who are distinguished for fervour of piety, and 
remarkable for the happiness which they enjoy in religion. 
It was my hope that by associating with them, and through 
the help of their prayers, I might find the Lord more gra- 
ciously near to my soul. After my arrival, I took up a 
hymn book, where I found a hymn, descriptive of my situa- 
tion. The perusal of this increased my desire that the 
Lord would visit me, and 'baptize me with the Holy Ghost' 
—my cry to him was, 1 seal my soul for ever thine.' I lifted 
up my heart in prayer, that the blessing might descend. — I 



MEMOIR. 



71 



felt that I needed something, which I did not possess. There 
was a void within, which must be filled, or I could not be 
happy. My earnest desire then was, as it had been ever 
since I professed religion six years before, that all love of 
the world might be destroyed — all selfishness extirpated — 
pride banished — unbelief removed — all idols dethroned — 
every thing hostile to holiness, and opposed to the divine 
will, crucified ; that holiness to the Lord might be engraved 
on my heart, and evermore characterize my conversation. 
* * # My mind was led to reject on what would probably 
be my future situation. It recurred to me, I am to be, here- 
after, a minister of the gospel. But how shall I be able to 
preach in my present state of mind 7 I cannot — never ; no, 
never shall I be able to do it with pleasure, without great 
overturnings in my soul. I felt that I needed that, for which 
I was then, and for a long time had been, hungering and 
thirsting, I desired it, not for my benefit only, but for that 
of the church and the world. — At this very juncture, I was 
most delightfully conscious of giving .up all to God. I 
was enabled in my heart to say, Here Lord, take me, take 
my whole soul, and seal me thine; thine now, and thine 
for ever, * If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.' * * * 
There then ensued such emotions as I never before expe- 
rienced — all was calm and tranquil, silent, solemn — and 
a heaven of love pervaded my whole soul. I had a wit- 
ness of God's love to me, and of mine to him. Shortly 
after, I was dissolved in tears of love and gratitude to our 
blessed Lord. The name of Jesus was precious to me. 
''Twas music in my ear.' He came as king, and took full 
possession of my heart; and I was enabled to say, * I am cru- 
cified with Christ : nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ 
Ifveth in me,' — Let him, as King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
reign in me, reign without a rival for ever.' * * 

"But this is not all — since that blessed season, I have 
enjoyed times of refreshment, in w r hich I have gained 
nearer access to God. I have enjoyed his presence from 
day to day. Not one I believe has passed, in which I have 
not had the witness in myself, that I am born from above. 
O ! the peace which I have had, and joy in the Holy Ghost ! 
It has flowed as a river. I have been happy in my Lord ; 
I have exulted in the God of my salvation. But I ascribe 
all to his grace. The Lord hath done great things for me, 
whereof I am glad ; and for which I would praise his name. 
Not unto me, — not unto me ! I am nothing — Jesus is all. 
7 



MEMOIR. 



To his name be the glory ! He is the author and finisher 
of faith. I know, and am as fully assured of my acceptance 
with God, as I can be of my existence : — that is, if 4 love, 
joy, peace,' are evidences of reconciliation. I have a hope 
full of glorious immortality. The perfect love of God 
casteth out all fear of death, of the grave, of judgment, of 
hell. Filial fear — fear of offending my heavenly Father, 
and my brethren, possesses me. Surely, I am a miracle of 
grace; a sinner saved by grace — free grace, sovereign grace, 
almighty grace. I feel that I love the Lord, because he first 
loved me. And even now, I am favoured with the gracious 
presence of Emmanuel. How suitable and delightful is this 
name — God with us. Yes and formed within us the hope of 
glory. 

" I find the scriptures increasingly delightful. I read no 
book with so much pleasure. It is indeed not a dead letter, 
but spirit and life. Divinity is stamped on its pages; and 
when carried home to the heart, its truths are life and 
power. 

" In closet duties you doubtless find most pleasure. Here, 
I too, find the heavenly manna. My soul has had gospel 
measure in my evening's retirement. 'Tis here the Chris- 
tian comes at the essence of religion, w r hile he holds intimate 
communion with heaven, and partakes of joys sublime and 
substantial, such as the world knoweth not, the unrenewed 
never taste. But they are real ; they are pure ; they are fore- 
tastes of good things to come, earnests of future endless bliss. 

" The prospect before me is a pleasant one. I have no 
anxiety about the future. My only wish is to know what 
my heavenly Father will have me to do. I have, indeed, 
the ministry in view. I believe that the great Head of the 
church has called me to prepare for it. But whether he will 
count me worthy to be put into it, is not for me to decide. 
J would not determine. He may see fit to remove me hence 
before I shall have finished my course of study. Pleasing 
thought ! if it be his will ! With some he has dealt thus, and 
so taken them from rendering service below, to render a per- 
fect service above. But whether my life be protracted or 
shortened, my inquiry is, 1 Lord, what wilt thou have me to 
do?' 'Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.' I am not my 
own keeper; neither would I be at my own disposal. ' God- 
liness with contentment is great gain.' I trust that I have 
won this prize. Pray that I may keep; and finish my 
course with joy. * * * 



MEMOIR. 



73 



" Thus I have spoken of the Lord's dealings, and testified 
to his goodness. I have spoken to you with the familiarity 
and confidence of a friend. Do not think me an egotist. 

"And now may I ask you, * Is it well with thee?' If I mis- 
take not, you were once not a little harassed with fears, and 
perplexed with douhts. Have you gained the ascendancy 
over your adversary? If not, be assured it is your privilege. 
'For this purpose was Jesus manifested, that he might 
destroy the works of the devil.' And it is not his pleasure 
that we should always be babes, or even young men. He 
would have us arrive at the stature of perfect men in Christ 
Jesus. Alas! how many seem to be ever learning, and 
never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. There 
are some, who are always complaining of their deadness 
and want of spirituality. Do you know the reason? Cer- 
tainly it is not because they have religion, but because they 
have no more religion. The effect of true piety is to quicken 
and enliven the soul, to make its possessor spiritual and 
heavenly minded, 1 which is life and peace.' * * All, all should 
be on the alert; 'up and doing' for their Master's cause. 
Indeed, there is much land to be possessed; much in our 
own hearts ; much in our families ; much in our neighbour- 
hood ; much in the world at large. # * Who will be Christians 
in deed and in truth? who will be decidedly for the Lord — 
eminently holy and devoted servants of the most High? 
There is much to do; much for you, and much for me to 
accomplish; and our time is short. O for more of Enoch's 
spirit, that I may walk with God continually; for more of 
the meekness and the ardour of our Saviour. In a word, let 
us live for God, for heaven, for eternity. Then shall we 
* rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything 
give thanks.' The world will sink into nothing before us — 
souls will be valued according to their worth — the divine glory 
will be our chief aim, and heaven our final home. * # * 

" What shall I say more? May you and I seek to be uncom- 
mon Christians ; that is, eminently holy. Holiness becometh 
the house of the Lord. It is this which conforms us to his 
image, which fits us for communion with him here, and 
which only will fit us for heaven and for glory." 

This extract is given at full length, because it contains 
the most clear and distinct account of the most remarkable 
revival of religion, with which our departed brother was 
favoured after his conversion. He was afterwards blessed 
7 



74 



MEMOIR. 



with many similar seasons of refreshment, which he was 
accustomed to call 'baptisms of the Holy Ghost.' But on this 
subject, some remarks will be offered when we come to the 
close of the present year. 

The letters which follow the event of which an account 
has just been given, are uniformly in * higher strain of 
joyful feeling, than was observed before. In a communi- 
cation addressed to his parents, dated 16th jaly, 1822, there 
is a display of filial and fraternal love, mingled with 
Christian affection and joy, evincing a high and sustained 
menial excitement. The father, mother, and all the grown 
up children, had become hopefully pious. In reference to 
this subject, our young brother expresses himself thus : — 

" When I look at my father's house, my heart is filled with 
praise for what God has wrought. I now rejoice in the 
assurance that the family altar is frequented every day; 
and that there is offered up the sacrifice of broken spirits 
and contrite hearts. How comforting ! This looks like hav- 
ing a little heaven, to go to heaven in. My dear parents, 
may you ever abide under the shadow of the Almighty, 
find the banner of Jesus over you to be love, and his food to 
be sweet to your taste I May your house be a Bethel to each 
of your souls," &c. 

After addressing most earnest and affectionate exhor- 
tations to each of his sisters, he adds concerning himself, 
" Of all others, I have most reason to praise the Lord, be- 
cause he has kept me in perfect peace. Precious seasons ; 
delightful hours I have enjoyed ; and the remembrance of 
them is sweet. The Lord has manifested himself to me by 
nis Spirit, and I now feel his presence ; my heart is stayed 
on the Lord ; Jesus is precious. And I feel an increased 
determination to give up all for Christ, for he is worthy." 

In another letter he says : — " Thanks to my heavenly Fa- 
ther ; I can write to you in a new strain. My former com- 
munications have been full of complaint, yet I did not tell 
you of half the distress which I felt, on account of coldness 
in my Master's service, lest I should distress you with the 
narrative. But now, I feel that I can never sufficiently 
praise the Lord, for all that He has done for me. I will 
take the cup of salvation, and call on his name. I would 
also call on my soul, and all that is within me, to bless him 
for the great deliverance which he has wrought. Surely 
he has delivered me from the snare of the fowler — he has 



MEMOIR. 



75 



set my feet in a large place, and made me to rejoice in his 
great salvation. # * * Never have I enjoyed so much in 
religion, as since the 23d of last April. That was, and ever 
will be a memorable day to me. The kingdom of God, 
which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy 
Ghost, was then, if ever, set up within me. * * * Praise 
the Lord for it ! He is all. I am nothing. The glory of 
my salvation from first to last shall be ascribed to the Tri- 
une Jehovah." 

To another he expresses himself thus : — " Since my ar- 
rival at Lawrenceville, I addressed to you a letter testifying 
the goodness of God to my soul. I have now to say, to the 
praise of his grace, that he has continued his favours. 
# # # At this time I enjoy an indescribable peace — it 
passes knowledge — and yet it is a blessed reality. * # * 
And it is now my earnest desire that all Christians might 
strive for a deeper work of grace in their hearts." 

In another letter it appears that the unusual religious 
excitement of this young man, awakened considerable at- 
tention, and was the subject of many remarks. Some called 
it enthusiasm ; and others gave it the harder name of fana- 
ticism. It was alleged by some of his Christian friends, 
that he put in a claim to perfection, and much else of the 
same kind. While others reported that he had, after a while, 
acknowledged that he had been deceived in all this matter, 
through a failure, diligently to search the scriptures. In 
reply to an inquiry whether he had made such an acknow- 
ledgment, he says : " No — never. I am ready to testify to 
the world that the Lord has blessed my soul beyond my 
highest expectations. * * * People may call this blessing 
by what name they please, faith of assurance, holiness, per- 
fect love, sanctification — it makes no difference with me, 
whether they give it a name, or no name, it continues a 
blessed reality ; and thanks to my heavenly Father, it is 
my privilege to enjoy it — it is yours also, and the privilege 
of all, to enjoy the same, and to go beyond any thing that I 
have ever yet experienced." 

A careful perusal of the letters written during the few 

months, which followed the season so often adverted to, has 

convinced the compiler of this memoir, that James Taylor 

was the subject of a revival of religion, the result of which 

was a great and permanent increase of holiness and of 

religious enjoyment. Yet that there was in connexion with 
7# 



76 



MEMOIR. 



this, an undue degree of excitement, which subjected him 
to the danger of being greatly misled, is undeniable. He 
acknowledged it, and his wishes will not be fully accom- 
plished, unless wherever his name is known, and his ex- 
ample is likely to have any influence, young Christians, 
and especially candidates for the ministry, are warned of the 
danger to which he was exposed. The writer knows that 
he regarded deliverance from it, as one of the most signal 
favours conferred on him by his gracious Lord. 

It is therefore proper to state, that in the intensity of his 
religious feelings, he became much more desirous than ever 
to preach the gospel. He also had continually a deep and 
overwhelming conviction of the danger to which impenitent 
sinners are exposed ; and his desire to be doing something 
for their salvation, absorbed every other consideration. In 
this state of mind, the prospect of waiting five years before 
he could enter the ministry, was distressing. It seems too, 
that the tone of his religious feeling was considerably higher 
than that of the professors of religion with whom he at that 
time associated. This made his situation as a student more 
irksome. He therefore seriously entertained the thought of 
seeking admission into the sacred office without pursuing a 
regular course of study. That in this case he acted con- 
scientiously, no person, who has perused his papers, can for 
a moment doubt. But that his conscience was misinformed, 
he himself was afterwards most ready to acknowledge. In 
the frailty of the human mind, this is a danger to which 
young men of ardent feelings, under strong religious excite- 
ment, are generally exposed. The fundamental truths of 
the gospel appear very plain ; and are felt with very great 
force. At the same time, the particular connexion of the 
subjects of study with the discharge of ministerial duty, is 
not very apparent. And the thought often occurs to the 
student, why should I be wasting my years in the study of 
dead languages, of abstract rules of interpretation, of ex- 
ploded errors of heretics and schismatics, when souls are 
perishing for want of ministers to preach Christ crucified % 
The importance of that study which strengthens and en- 
larges the mind, is not appreciated. The necessity of not 
only stating, but proving the meaning of the Bible, is not 
understood. The advantage, in point of general influence, 
which a thoroughly furnished preacher has over one half 
taught, is beyond the conception of an uneducated man. 
And more than all, the excited young Christian never thinks* 



MEMOIR. 



77 



that he may have to answer at the bar of Christ for telling 
the people that the holy scriptures mean what they do not 
mean. The mind perpetually recurs to the one considera- 
tion : 11 My fellow sinners are perishing for want of a saving' 
knowledge of truths which I am able to communicate to 
them." And this, like a goad, continually applied, urges 
them onward ; so that too many novices, young men whom 
an apostle certainly would not have pronounced apt to teach, 
seek and find their way into the pulpit. And if there be in 
any case, (as sometimes, at least, there is,) an intermingling 
of spiritual pride and self-confidence with religious excite- 
ment, no advice of friends, no counsels of prudence and ex- 
perience, will lay any restraint. And that awfully respon- 
sible office, which is enough to make an angel fear and 
tremble, is assumed by untaught young zealots, with an 
intrepidity of confidence truly appalling. 

The desire to be engaged in preaching immediately, was 
so strong in young Taylor, that he came near to the resolu- 
tion that he would abandon his course of preparatory study, 
and, if possible, forthwith enter the pulpit. Here was the 
point of danger. And if he had not possessed the degree 
of genuine scriptural piety which he actually had attained, 
there is no doubt but that the fervour of his feelings would 
have carried him off in a very devious course. But when 
judicious friends presented to him the truth, and he care- 
fully reflected on it, the path of duty appeared plain before 
him, and the power of conscience, as soon as it was better 
informed, was sufficient to restrain the ardour of his wishes. 
And with a docility, and a frankness to acknowledge his* 
mistake, which does honour to his memory, he returned to 
his studies; and pursued them, as health permitted, with 
exemplary steadiness and regularity. And always, after he 
had thoroughly examined this subject, he felt, as will fully 
appear in the sequel, the obligation to improve, as far as pos- 
sible, all his faculties, that he might with more efficiency 
preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to his perishing fellow men. 

When young students are eager to go forth, and in the 
confidence of inexperience are impatient of the delays and 
restraints laid on them, they may do well to listen to the 
warnings which James Taylor v/ished to give on this sub- 
ject, and to his solemn declaration, " I had like to have been 
ruined at that time. 1 ' 

The error, in this case, is the more deceptious, as it comes 
under the guise of zeal and piety. Young men who have- 



78 



MEMOIR, 



a strong literary taste, and whose piety is rather subtepid in 
its temperature, are willing to go through all the literary 
preparations for the ministry which are required ; while the 
fervent and over-zealous are continually crying out, " Send 
me." And although, when examined, they can give but a 
poor account of the message which they mean to bear, "ne- 
vertheless," they say, " let me run." It ought, however, to 
be understood, that a well instructed conscience w r ill stimu- 
late a student to make full preparation for the work of the 
ministry, just as much as it will urge a minister to " be in- 
stant in season and out of season," in doing his appropriate, 
work. And there is no stronger evidence of misguidance 
than that which is afforded by a premature entrance on the 
sacred office. 

James Taylor having settled his mind on this subject, 
wrote thus in a letter, in which he gratefully acknowledged 
his obligations for the counsel of his worthy and esteemed 
preceptor : — 

41 On the 2d of August, Mr. Brown had an interview with 
me, concerning my conduct, with which my happiness and 
usefulness in the church are so intimately connected. For 
that interview, I shall ever ha,ve occasion to be thankful. 

" Had I availed myself of this opportunity, before I pro- 
ceeded so far, it would have saved myself and my friends 
from many unpleasant feelings, produced by my premature 
decision. I now can only confess my error, and assure my 
friends that in all this case I was actuated by a sincere de- 
sire for the glory of God, the good of my soul, and the souls 
of others. It was my shortsightedness, my inexperience, 
and want of deeper and more thorough investigation, which 
occasioned my precipitate determination." 

The compiler has been thus particular in the statement of 
this affair, because he heard from his young friend a full 
account of his precipitate decision, and knows that it was an 
object of his earnest wishes, that young candidates for the 
ministry might be put on their guard against the dangers to 
which they are exposed. He w T as under a powerful impres- 
sion of the necessity of raising much higher than ordinary, 
the standard of ministerial piety. He thought that Chris- 
tians universally might make, and must make, attainments 
in religion far beyond those of ordinary professors. But he 
was convinced that this was not likely to take place, until 



MEMOIR. 



79 



preachers of the gospel should become in a most eminent 
degree holy men. At the same time, his own experience 
and observation convinced him, that young men, while la- 
bouring to kindle up the fire of zeal, and cultivating an ar- 
dent love for the work of the ministry, and for the souls of 
men, were liable to be drawn off from their preparatory stu- 
dies, and hurried into the sacred office, before they were 
suitably prepared for it. He also knew that there are many 
Christians of indiscreet zeal, who very frequently suggest 
to students that they are wasting their time, and chilling 
their ardour, in the prosecution of dry and barren studies, 
while souls are perishing. And although he never, in the 
slightest degree, intimated an expectation that a memoir of 
trim would be prepared, yet he frequently expressed the 
wish that candidates for the ministry might learn rather from 
;he experience of others, than their own, the unspeakable 
importance of uniting an uncommon degree of piety and 
seal, with very thorough preparation for their work. He 
was convinced that it was exceedingly important, that mi- 
listers of the gospel should have religion enough to make 
hem always happy : because that would con. nend Chris- 
ianity to others; would make them love the arduous la- 
)ours of their office ; and carry them pleasantly through all 
ts trials. 

From the 23d day of April, 1822, to the last day of his 
ife, he retained immoveably the conviction, that by the dili- 
gent and faithful use of the means appointed by Jesus Christ, 
here might be attainments in piety, and all its fruits, love, 
oy, peace, hope, assurance, of which professors of religion 
jrdinarily have no adequate idea. On this subject, the 
'eader will find him expressing himself in very strong terms, 
n letters hereafter to be inserted. And why may it not be 
so? The economy of grace, so far from discouraging the 
lse of means, does, when properly understood, afford the 
lighest inducements to use them with all diligence. The 
•elation between cause and effect is as fully established in 
spiritual as in physical affairs. It is just as true in the one 
•,ase as in the other, that the hand of the diligent maketh 
ich. And if one may not expect success in the use of mea- 
ures presented for our growth in holiness, there can be no 
notive to employ them, and no wisdom in their appoint- 
nent. Now, who can set limits to a Christian's growth in 
^race ; or to the increase of his spiritual joy ? May not 
me, who, every day, sets himself with all the activity of in- 



80 



MEMOIR. 



tense desire, to make advancement in the divine life, expect 
daily to get forward % If a Christian will never let unre- 
pented-of sin rest on his conscience — no not for an hour; — if 
he never will omit any duty, which for the time he can pos- 
sibly perform ; — if he will not rest satisfied a moment with- 
out the light of his Father's countenance shining on him: 
why may not all joy abound in him and he always abound 
in the work of the Lord % In perusing Christian biography, 
and in observing the lives of Christians, it is manifest that 
there is a very wide difference between the piety and the 
religious enjoyment of different persons. And it is very 
clear, that there is also as wide a difference between their 
respective diligence and activity in using the means of reli- 
gious improvement. 

This subject is urged in this manner, because the unhappy 
dispute which has risen on the subject of 'perfection, has been 
so managed, as to induce in many the belief that doubt, de- 
spondency, and occasional gloom, are important evidences 
of Christian character. It is undoubtedly true, too, that the 
spiritual pride of some who have pretended to be free from 
all sin, and to have attained the assurance of hope, has ren- 
dered more modest Christians unwilling to speak with con- 
fidence of their t spiritual state. But it ought to be understood 
that these two subjects are totally distinct. There will always 
be enough about the Christian, while he is in the body, to 
keep him humble, and to make him shrink from the claim 
of perfection. Yet it is certainly the doctrine of the scrip- 
tures, that believers ought to rise to the stature of full grown 
men in Christ Jesus ; that they may attain to such a state as 
to be able to say, " We know on whom we have believed J 
that it is their privilege to rejoice evermore ; yea, even with 
a "joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." But if all 
this is not believed — if it is taken for granted that we must 
go sorrowful and in doubt through this world; — then no 
efforts will be made, no means will be employed, to rise to 
that happy and joyous state, of which the Bible speaks in 
frequent and strong terms. But nothing is more certain 
than the truth, that no blessing is obtained in religion, any 
more than in the affairs of this world, without effort. The 
economy of grace is such, that by following the plain direc- 
tions of the Bible, Christians will grow up into Christ their 
head in all things. Let students of theology believe, then, 
that they may become very eminently holy and happy, and 
that it is their duty to be so. 



MEMOIR. 



81 



The determination of Mr. Taylor to return to that course 
of study which he had first marked out, did not in the least 
abate the fervour of his zeal, nor lessen his efforts to make 
that continual progress in piety, which he felt that every one 
ought to make, who has the sacred office in view. The fol- 
lowing extracts from his letters will show that his religious 
enjoyments were continued, and indeed rendered more per- 
manent and exalted. But it ought to be understood, that he 
did not allow his piety to expend itself in mere feeling. His 
religion was not that of a retired contemplative mystic ; he 
was perfectly alive to all the charities of life ; and he omit- 
ted no opportunity of doing good, which was either presented, 
or could be made by him. In a word, the experience which 
he had acquired served the double purpose of making him 
conscientious in his endeavours to store his mind with use- 
ful and necessary knowledge, and to imbue his heart more 
and more entirely with the spirit of the gospel. 

A letter, written in the summer of this year, to J. B. T., 
by a Cherokee youth, the son of Major Ridge, will show the 
; activity of Christian zeal, and the impression made by Chris- 
tian kindness on the heart of a young heathen. Extracts 
are presented, as well for this reason, as for the purpose of 
giving another specimen of Cherokee writing. 

" Cornwall, July 8th, 1822. 
" Dear friend, Mr. Taylor. 

" I am under great obligations to you for your acceptable 
letter of the 19th of June ; and I should be wanting in grati- 
, tude, should I pass over your precious letters in silence, 
which I hope is not my disposition. I had the pleasure of 
receiving a letter from you last fall, giving me to understand 
that my father had embarked, and the polite invitation of 
your dear brother. I wished to answer you then, but did 
not know where I should direct my communication, and on 
further consideration, I thought it best to defer it until I 
received information of your residence. Please to accept 
my sincere thanks for that, and for this, I have now the pri- 
vilege to answer. I have read your instructive admonitions 
with interest, and feel thankful to you for your concern for 
my immortal interests ; but at the same time, I will not con- 
ceal from you, that my heart is stupid and indifferent to this 
subject. I do not ridicule, nor have any disposition to do so, 
with the jocularity of an infidel : neither do I flounce on 
the doctrines of the gospel, with the contempt of a Deist. 



82 



MEMOIR. 



But you can conjecture the situation of my feelings by look 
ing on some of your gospel hearers in Lawrenceville,* wh( 
go to meeting to please their friends, or satisfy their curio 
sity, but at the same time who are not opposed. — In short 
you may form your opinion of me by yourself, before con 
version. ****** 

" Prejudice is the ruling passion of the age, and an Indiai 
is almost considered as accursed. He is frowned upon b; 
the meanest peasant, and the scum of the earth are considers 
sacred in comparison to the son of nature. If an Indian i 
educated in the sciences, has good knowledge of the classics 
astronomy, mathematics, natural and moral sciences, and hi 
conduct is equally modest and polite, yet he is an Indiar 
and the most stupid and illiterate farmer will disdain an 
triumph over this worthy man. It is disgusting to enter int 
a farmer's house, and be stared full in the face with inqu 
sitive ignorance. I find that such prejudices are more pr< 
valent among the ignorant than among the enlightened. An 
let a received opinion be counteracted by the most solid fact 
the ignorant will still hold to it, and carry it with him 1 
his grave. 

" The Owhyhean young men you mentioned were thanl 
ful of your remembrance, and send their respects to yor 
When you write to my father, direct your letter to Majf 
Ridge, Spring-Place, Cherokee Nation. Spring-Place _o 
the nearest post-office, and it is the place to which I direct 
my letters. 

" Please to accept of my respectful regards, and believe 
me to be, Yours respectfully, 

" John Ridge." 

After Mr. T. had been revived and quickened in the Chris- 
tian life, he was exceedingly desirous that his Christian 
friends should partake of such religious enjoyments, as he 
himself was favoured with. He thus writes to one who had, 
at an early period in life, made a public profession of faith 
in Jesus Christ. 

" L- — — , October 31, 1822. 

« « A hope of eternal life is indeed a treasure more 

precious than gold, yea, than much fine gold.' When I saw 

* Note. Is there not here a striking proof that the human heart is 
every where the same 1 Did not this young Indian endeavour to justify 



MEMOIR. 83 

you last, you expressed doubts and fears respecting yourself. 
You also wished to obtain a brighter evidence, a clearer 
witness of your acceptance with God. The desire is laud- 
able, and it may be gratified : for full assurance is attain- 
able. — And who is happy without it ? * * * 

" To attain what you desire, two things are necessary. 

" 1st. You must believe that it is attainable. 

" 2d. You must seek it with your whole heart 

" 1. You must believe that it is attainable- — That it is so, 
see for proof, Heb. vi. 11. We there find a desire expressed, 
that the Hebrews might possess it to the end. Paul enjoyed 
it, 2 Tim. iv. 6 — 8. The eighth verse plainly shows that the 
writer possessed full assurance. * There is laid up for me a 
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, 
will give me at that day.' See also Horn. viii. 38, 39. ' For 
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor 
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall 
be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ 
Jesus our Lord.' — Many others, besides the apostle, to the 
lasting joy of their souls, have found this truth a blessed 
reality. 

" 2. Therefore you must look unto Jesus the author and 
finisher of faith. Heb. xii. 2. Mere belief that assurance is 
attainable, will not bring down the blessing to our posses- 
sion. The prodigal son believed, that there was bread enough 
and to spare in his father's house, while he was feeding on 
husks. But what would this conviction have availed, had 
he not come to the resolution, * I will arise and go unto my 
father.' And what, his belief and resolution, had he not 
put the resolve in execution % Exertion is necessary. Can 
we attain any object of desire, without using means adapted 
to the end in view % 

" Suffer then the word of exhortation. Give all diligence 
to secure that, which I trust the Holy Spirit has caused you 
to desire. Let your cry be continually to the Lord, that your 
soul may be filled with perfect peace. Be encouraged — for 
the promise is, ' Ask, and you shall receive V You have 
' an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' 
He has said, f If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I 
will do it' John xiv. 14, &c. Ask, O ask, that your joy 
may be full." 

himself for his indifference to the gospel, by referring to the conduct of 
many who are born and brought up in Christian lands. 



84 MEMOIR. 

The following, to the same friend, is so full of the fervour 
of piety, that the reader will peruse it with deep interest. 

" L , 9th November, 1822. 

" The retrospect to you, as to me, is no doubt mingled 
with emotions of regret and joy. For, once we were aliens 
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the co- 
venants of promise. Nearly fifteen years of my life were 
spent at a distance from God, in pursuit of a phantom, a vi- 
sionary object, denominated by its votaries, pleasure. With 
what eagerness I followed that on which I have long since 
stamped vanity and vexation of spirit, the companions of my 
youth could testify. But, alas ! two of them have gone, never 
to return — their bodies to the place appointed for all the liv- 
ing, their immortal spirits to the bar of their righteous judge. 
One departed, with bright evidence of a work of grace, in- 
wrought by the Holy Spirit, yes, even in the triumphs of 
faith, saying, just before she left the world, ' I am going soon, 
my Saviour is near.' The other manifested no token of a 
change of heart. Should these persons now give testimony 
respecting the hilarity of our youthful days, how deep would 
be their tone of reprobation ? But soon the day of accounts 
will come, and all must answer for the deeds done in the 
body. * # # 

" Besides the person first mentioned, only two others of my 
youthful companions, as I believe, have denied themselves, 
taken up the cross, and followed the Saviour. 

1 Why was I made to hear thy voice. 

And enter while there's room ; 
While thousands make a wretched choice 

And rather starve than come.' 

" When I had reached the age of fifteen years and five 
months, I publicly professed the religion of Christ, and join- 
ed myself to his people. This confession was witnessed on 
the 15th of Sept. 1816. The vows then made to be the Lord's 
have often since, been repeated in the closet and in the sanc- 
tuary. — Eventful era in my life ! Never by me to be forgot- 
ten ! Its annual return always brings grateful recollections. 

" On last Sabbath, I was privileged to obey the dying com- 
mand of the Lord Jesus, ' Do this in remembrance of me.' 
It was a most precious season. The intercourse between 
my soul and heaven was open and free. I was brought into 
the banqueting house of the Beloved ; and his banner over 
me was love. * * Truly, I had communion with the Father, 



MEMOIR. 



85 



and with his Son Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. 
My brethren and sisters both in the church militant and the 
church triumphant, were objects of my affection — yes, all 
who were purchased by the redemption that is in Christ 
Jesus. I also, with all my heart, desired the conversion of 
impenitent sinners. Indeed the Lord was present to bless 
me with gospel measure, pressed down, shaken together, and 
running over. * # Communion seasons grow better and bet- 
ter. And so it ought to be. By and by I hope to drink new 
wine in the paradise above. 

1 When shall I wake and find me there ? 

glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 

1 shall be near, and like my God, 
And flesh and sin no more control 
The sacred pleasures of the soul.' 

" I said that the 15th of Sept., 1816, was and ever will be 
an eventful era to me. But there is another day, to which 
I shall ever recur with as much, if not more interest. It was 
the 23d day of last April. On that day, the Lord wrought 
a deeper work of grace in my soul, than at any former pe- 
riod. Yes, blessed be. his holy name for ever ! he conde- 
scended to bestow a favour, for which I had been longing 
for years — the witness of which I have enjoyed daily ever 
since. I cannot tell you what I have enjoyed from his fulness. 
But let it suffice to say, that my peace has flowed like a river j 
and I can testify that I have experienced more of the pre- 
sence of the Lord, than during my whole previous existence. 
VThe earnest of the purchased possession has been given to 
me, and I have rejoiced in hope of the glory of God, and of 
the rest which remaineth for his people. 

" I wish you to understand that I advert to this subject, and 
dwell on it, because I wish to show forth the divine goodness 
as manifested to so unworthy a sinner as I am ; and to 
testify the loving-kindness of the Lord. 

" It may encourage my friend, who, I trust, has tasted that 
the Lord is gracious. * * * Let me again urge you to seek, until 
you obtain that bright evidence of your acceptance, which 
you desire. Never give over the effort. The adversary is 
ever near to cheat you out of the promised blessing. But 
the word of truth assures us that if we resist him, he will 
flee from us ; and that if we draw nigh to God, he will 
draw nigh to us. * Blessed are they that do hunger and 
thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.' * If ye, 
being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, 
8 



86 



MEMOIR. 



how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy 
Spirit to them that ask him.' Such are the promises which 
encourage us. If then you seek and find not, search nar- 
rowly into your heart, and see if there is any thing cherished 
there, inconsistent with your desires to obtain this blessing ; 
any thing opposed to holiness, such as love of the world, 
pride, selfishness, &c. God does not come and dwell in 
the heart where he finds rivals. Before you venture to 
approach the holy presence of the Lord, and offer sacri- 
fice to him, examine yourself carefully, and put far away 
every thing that can hinder the blessing. If you feel how 
important it is, that believers should be sanctified wholly, 
in soul, body, and spirit, you will excuse the plainness of 
my speech. * * * Allow me to propose a question, which 
has occurred to my mind since I wrote the preceding para- 
graph. Why may not you be An uncommon Christian ? Do 
you see any thing to prevent it 1 Is not the Lord on your 
side ? Have you not the God of Jacob for your refuge 2 
Have you not an advocate with the Father, who is also a 
sympathizing friend, having been in all points tempted as his 
disciples, yet without sin ? * * O then strive for it. Keep 
* the world, the flesh, and the devil,' continually under your 
feet, and heaven continually in view ; that you may have 
heaven within you. Is it not for this, that you have been 
brought into the church at a very early period in life? Is it 
not your duty to be an uncommon, that is, a very humble, 
self-denying, cross-bearing, (in a word,) Bible Christian? 
And it is no less your privilege than your duty. 

" Pray for me, that I may have more faith, humility, 
patience, yea every thing to make me Christ-like. With 
best regards, &c. J. B. T." 

To the Same. 

" 23d November, 1822. 
" The soul may be in heaviness through manifold tempta- 
tions, 1 Pet. i. 6. Then, and in all times of difficulty, there 
is an opportunity for trusting in the Lord ; and seeking him 
until he come and accomplish a complete deliverance. To 
be tempted, is not a sin — but to yield to temptation. To 
endure it, is a blessing, James i. 12. But if temptation takes 
effect, it will bring forth death. (15) — Thanks to heaven's 
high King! 1 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the 
godly out of temptations,' 2 Pet. ii. 9. Then let us com- 



MEMOIR. 



87 



mit our cause into the hands of * the author and finisher of 
our faith,' who 4 worketh in us both to will and to do of his 
good pleasure.' And after all our exertions, for deepening 
the work of grace in our souls, may we lie passive in his 
hands. * # * Although one's whole life should be one 
continued scene of doubt and fear, heaven will make amends 
for all. But ask, and look for overcoming grace, here — 
now. There is enough and to spare. * * * * Let me 
request that your prayers may be offered up on my behalf — 
that the Lord would make me a faithful servant in his 
vineyard, should he call me there to labour ; and that 
during my work of preparation, I may be useful." 

The following letter to his parents will show that he had 
been brought to view the subject of preparation for the 
ministry in a proper point of light. 

" 1st December, 1822. 

" My beloved Father and Mother : — I have been 
reading to-day and last evening, Mr. Parsons' Journal during 
his visit to Palestine. I found it delightful to follow him as 
he recorded his visits to various places, in and about the 
holy city, Jerusalem. He visited the holy sepulchre, Mount 
Calvary, Mount Olivet, the Pool of Siloam, Mount Zion, 
Bethany, Jericho, the Dead Sea — where Sodom and Go- 
morrha once stood — and Bethlehem. On his way from 
Jerusalem to Bethlehem, from an eminence, he had, at the 
same moment, a distinct view of three of the most important 
places in the world — Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was 
born ; Calvary, where he was crucified ; and Mount Olivet, 
from whence he ascended on high. The associations connec- 
ted with such a situation, are at once truly sublime, and pleas- 
ingly melancholy. * * * But Mr. Parsons is dead. He 
rested from his labours as missionary on the 9th of last 
February, at Alexandria, in Egypt. He had left father 
and mother, and putting his life in his hand, had embarked 
in the missionary cause. * The tidings of his death must have 
been truly afflctive to his parents. Yet how honoured are 
they in having a child to live and die for the Lord ! * # 

" While reading this journal, the question occurred, who 
knows but that that region is marked out as my labouring 
place. But I give myself no trouble about this thing. The 
Lord knows, and he will let me know, when the time comes 
for my going forth into the vineyard # * # 
8* 



88 



MEMOIR. 



" I am indeed a wonder to myself, when I think what I 
once was, and contrast my former with my present situation 
and prospects. * Not unto me — not unto me, 5 but to my 
gracious God, be all the glory. To hm\ I owe life, health, 
and comfort. 

" I am as highly favoured as I have been. The Lord 
has taken care of me. At times, when my foot has well 
nigh slipped, he has been near to uphold me, so that I am 
under infinite obligations to love and serve him, and ever to 
speak well of his name. 

" I am more contented with my situation and prospects, and 
more settled in mind, than I was at one period. I see more 
clearly than ever that I have a great work before me ; and 
one that needs great preparation. Since I commenced 
study, you know that I have been much tried on account of 
the length of my course. I was anxious to get out. But 
I am now thankful to God, that he did not let me go ; For, 
had I gone, what should I have done 1 At one time, I felt 
it to be my duty to go forth as a preacher immediately — at 
another, to curtail my allotted course— I now look forward, 
to a complete course, as I did at first. I expect to go to 
college next fall, and remain three years. Thence, to the 
theological seminary, and study three years longer. I have 
learned some lessons from experience, which, probably, I 
could have learned in no other way. These lessons, I have 
good hope, will benefit me through life. My studies are 
agreeable — my health is good. The Lord makes my 
dwelling a Bethel to my soul — I have enjoyed, in secret, 
most refreshing seasons. But I want more faith, more hu- 
mility, more love, more meekness, more of the spirit of my 
Master : in a word, I want to be more like Christ, in all my 
thoughts, words, and actions. 

" By and by, I may become a preacher of the gospel — 
but I may not. Life hangs on a brittle thread. All are 
alike exposed to the shafts of death. Only a short time since, 
a student at the theological seminary in Princeton, who had 
finished his collegiate studies, and just entered on his theolo- 
gical course, sickened and died. A young man, also in New 
Brunswick, studying for the ministry, died but a little while 
ago. And Dr. Mason's son at Carlisle, a candidate for the 
ministry, died about the same time. These three young 
men prosecuted their studies in the same class in college, 
and all died in one month. How mysterious i But it is the 
Lord ; and he doeth what seemeth him good. 



MEMOIR. 



89 



" These events show us, that piety, talents, and prospects of 
usefulness in the world, are no barriers against death. May 
those that are looking forward to the ministry, consider 
well that they are mortal ! If the Lord designs me for the 
great work of preaching the gospel, he will spare my life. 
But should he take me hence during my preparatory stu- 
dies, it will be, I trust, to render to him a perfect service in 
heaven, instead of an imperfect one here on earth. Let 
none, therefore, mourn my death, should the Lord take me 
to himself. 

t " There is nothing worth living for in this world, but to 
glorify God. And rather than not do this in my subse- 
quent life, I should prefer to go away to that house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. There, my dear 
parents, I expect to meet you — there I expect to meet my dear 
brothers and sisters — O ! what thanks belong to our blessed 
Redeemer, that he has called us with a holy calling. May we, 
who have given ourselves to Christ, be faithful unto death, and 
enter into the haven of eternal rest. And not we only, but 
the dear little ones of the family — May God, for Christ's sake, 
hear our prayers for them — may they all be brought into the 
fold of Christ — not one left out — that oujs may be a holy, 
happy, devoted family. * * # 

" Dec. 27th. — You will observe that this letter was begun 
some time ago. By the time it reaches you, probably you 
will have entered on a new year. May it prove happy to 
you in its commencement, in its continuance, and in its end. 

" As ever, I would subscribe myself, 

" Your affectionate son, James B. Taylor." 

1823. 

The interesting young man, whose character we are en- 
deavouring to delineate, was much accustomed to observe 
particular seasons, and periods of time. On the first day of 
this year, he wrote a letter to his family, which no doubt 
will long be preserved by them as a precious memorial of 
the piety and affection of their much loved relation. It 
enters too much into domestic particularities to be presented 
to the public ; but it may be stated that the writer takes a 
view of the dispensations of providence and grace towards 
the family during the year. And it appears that during that 
period, the father of the family, and three of the children, 
had experienced that change of heart, without which, accord- 
ing to the testimony of Christ, none can enter the kingdom 
8* 



90 



MEMOIR. 



of heaven. In producing these important changes, the in- 
strumentality of the son was greatly blessed. The filial re- 
verence and delicacy, combined with Christian fidelity, mani- 
fested heretofore by Mr. James Taylor, have been noticed. 
The same spirit is manifested in this letter, but on this occa- 
sion it is mingled with much holy joy. He speaks of 1822 
as a year of jubilee to the whole family, and describes, in 
rapture, the domestic happiness enjoyed, when so many had 
become truly Christian, and were mingling with the charities 
of natural relationship, the hopes and joys of religion. 

" Having addressed you all individually, I now come to 
testify to the goodness and loving kindness of the Lord 
which have followed me= 

"Surely of all others, I have most reason to speak well of 
his name, which is above every name : for in the midst of 
deserved wrath, he hath remembered undeserved mercy. 

" The year 1822 has, of a truth, been a year of jubilee to 
my soul. During that period, God has done more for me 
than I ever expected in this world. On the 23d of April, 
he accomplished a work which I had longed for, during six 
years. I feel the blessed effects of that visitation until this 
day. And until my dying day, I shall have reason to recall 
that hour, with thankful remembrance. No year, before 
the one just past, has afforded such solid peace in believing. 
I have had near access to the throne of grace. Jesus has been 

Erecious. My endeavours to promote the cause of Christ, 
owever short I may have come, were put forth with in- 
creased pleasure. Preaching has come to my heart with 
greater power. Communion seasons have been delightful — a 
little heaven on earth — foretastes of the joys to come. Since 
that 23d of April, I have enjoyed a sweet and lasting evi- 
dence of my acceptance with God, so that I have looked on 
the grave with composure, and on death, as a messenger to 
open that door, through which I should have an abundant 
entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ; and on heaven as my eternal home. 
I have had delightful seasons, in praying for the family, col- 
lectively and individually — for Zion and her prosperity, espe- 
cially for the Jews — for friends, and especially for one who 
does not profess to love the Lord — and for enemies. Think 
me not boastful, when I say that I do love my enemies, and 
earnestly pray for their salvation. The Lord has com- 
manded us to do this j and He has helped me to obey the com- 



MEMOIR. 



91 



mand. To Him be all the praise ! ' O give thanks unto the 
Lord, for he is good ; for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the 
redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from 
the hand of the enemy. — O God, my heart is fixed. — I will 
sing and give thanks. 5 * * * * 

" The restrospect of the year shows that we have been 
most highly favoured. The windows of heaven have been 
opened, and have dropped — nay, rather, have poured down 
blessings upon us. We have drunk of the wel]s of salvation, 
and have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Surely, his eyes 
have been over us for good from the beginning to the close of 
the year. He has conducted us safely, through dangers seen 
and unseen : he has been 1 on our right hand and on our left, 
so that we have not been moved.' Bless the Lord, O our 
souls, and all that is within us, bless his holy name. Bless 
the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all his benefits ; who for- 
giveth all our iniquities, who healeth all our diseases, who 
redeemeth our lives from destruction, and crowneth us with 
loving-kindness and tender mercies. May he at length give 
us the crown of glory, the heavenly diadem, purchased with 
the labours, the tears, the blood, the death of the Son of God. 

" For all our shortcomings during the past year, may we 
be suitably humbled ; and learn wisdom from the conse- 
quences of our remissness. For all the good obtained for 
ourselves, or done to others, may we ascribe glory to the 
Lord. For all the evil, may we take shame to ourselves. 

" Finally : what shall we render to the Lord for all his 
benefits ? A new year has begun its course. It moves with 
as much rapidity, as marked the flight of the old. It will 
soon be gone ! but we may not live to see its close. How 
actively, then, should we be engaged ; — each one in his place 
fulfilling his duty ! May every revolving day forcibly remind 
us, that our last day is coming ! and may we double our 
diligence in preparing to meet our Judge, that we may ren- 
der our accounts with joy, and not with grief. 

" Having been enabled to raise our 1 Ebenezer,' saying, 
1 Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, 5 let us inscribe upon our 
hearts, 4 Jehovah-Jireh,' the Lord will provide. Abundant 
is the provision in heaven's store-house for all the needy. 
Let us seek and expect great blessings from on high. 

" May we this year do more than ever, for our own growth 
in grace, and for the welfare of Zion ; and as we travel on 
our way heavenward, may we bear one another's burdens, 
and so fulfil the law of Christ ; interceding, each for all, that 



92 



MEMOIR. 



we may walk as pilgrims and strangers who expect soon 
to become fellow-citizens of the saints in glory." 

Thus far had this interesting compilation proceeded, under the hand of the lamented 
John Holt Rice, when it pleased the Lord to say to him, in the favourite phrase of this 
heavenly minded young man, " Come up higher." And now upon another, incompe- 
tent indeed, but willing friend, has the task devolved, to finish what had been so happily 
begun. 

The piety, the zeal, the humility, the heavenly minded- 
ness, the ardent desire to be useful in the vineyard of his 
Lord, which characterized the late James B. Taylor, have 
been already exhibited with such a force of evidence, that 
every reader must see, what every acquaintance felt, that 
he had become, as he proposed to himself, and often pressed 
upon others to become, an uncommon Christian. 

His faith seemed never to waver — his Christian affec- 
tions never to grow languid — his communion with God, 
through the mediation of the Son, and by the aid of the 
Holy Ghost, was seldom interrupted ; and when a cloud 
intervened, and the divine communications were suspended, 
he rested not till the cause was ascertained, and the light of 
his heavenly Father's countenance again let down upon his 
soul. Nor did he ever lose sight of the great object after 
which his heart panted, and in preparation for which he 
was diligently engaged. Never, perhaps, did any one so 
intensely desire to preach the gospel, as did James B. Taylor. 

Gf the truth of these statements, ample proof will be found 
in the following extracts from his correspondence, during 
this year, and in the fragments of a diary, found among his 
papers, commencing with the first of May, 1823. The last 
extract was from a new year's letter to his honoured parents 
and the beloved family at Middle Haddam, in which we 
have a delightful exhibition of his filial piety and frateiftal 
love. 

To a venerable minister of the gospel, for whom he che- 
rished the warmest affection, he wrote as follows : 

" Lawrenceville, Jan. 27th, 1823. 
" Reverend and beloved Sir, — When I say that I have 
not had the privilege of receiving a communication from 
my worthy and esteemed father in the gospel, as I antici- 
pated, he will not consider me as complaining of remissness ; 
far be it from me ; for my letters are not, neither am I, wor- 
thy of his notice. Yet the good counsel, the friendly ad- 



MEMOIR. 



93 



monitions of one so experienced, might have been incalcu- 
lably useful to one so inexperienced as myself, who, if the 
Lord of the vineyard permit, will follow on, in a course, 
probably, not unlike your own. * * * * Last evening, as 
I was reading the word of God, the following passage came 
in course : * And the Lord said unto Moses, get thee up into 
this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given to 
the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou 
also shalt be gathered to thy people, as Aaron thy brother 
was gathered. 3 In meditation, my mind dwelt upon the 
situation of Moses and his blessed prospect. O! how much 
better to enter the heavenly Canaan, than to enjoy an earth- 
ly one. I endeavoured to place myself upon the mount, 
and take a view of the goodly land. As I mused, the fire 
burned, until I could say, Welcome death, that sets the cap- 
tive soul at liberty ! I think I had some of that longing to 
depart and be with Christ, of which the apostle speaks, and 
could have finished my course with joy^ yet, frorn my very 
soul, I could say, Not my will, O Lord, but thine be done. 
I saw I had, as yet, suffered but littl for Christ, and was 
enabled to say, Lord, I will follow thee through toil, through 
persecution, to prison, and to death. Wait, wait patiently, 
O my soul, till thy change come." 

In the same letter, Mr. Taylor wrote to the young people 
of the family, as follows : 

" The year that has just closed, has been a memorable 
one to you : upon it you can inscribe Jubilee, for thus it has 
proved to your souls. What mercy has the Lord shown 
you ! Thanks to his rich, free, sovereign, almighty grace, 
that he has rescued you from going down to the pit. How 
has it been with you since you found the Saviour precious 
to your souls? Has he been increasingly so ? Have you 
found your closet devotions growing more delightful ? the 
Bible more sweet? and the duties of religion more pleasant? 
What fellowship have you then enjoyed with the Father, 
and with his Son Jesus Christ ! What a blessed religion ! 
While it enjoins constancy in its duties, which, to the pious 
is a 'privilege, it affords peace — peace with God — peace 
with the world — peace of conscience. The love of God, 
kindled up in the soul by the Holy Ghost, is the principle 
from which emanates love to Christians — love to sinners — 
love to all God's creatures. But, having been born of God, 



MEMOIR. 



we must remember that we are not to remain babes in Christ, 
A necessity is laid upon us, to leave the first principles and 
go on to perfection. Therefore, may we press forward, and 
give all diligence to make our calling and election sure. To 
this end, we must never be afraid to know the worst of our- 
selves. Let us ever pray, * Search me, O God, and know 
my heart ; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there 
be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlast- 
ing. 7 May you be uncommon Christians ; that is, eminently 
pious and holy, and like Mary, ever at the feet, and around 
the cross of Jesus, the precious Lamb of God. There is 
much to be done. The world is to be converted to God. 
And why may there not be great and lasting good done, 
through your instrumentality % Then go on. The world 
may frown — Satan may rage — but go on ;— live for God. 
Greater is he that is for you, than all that can be against 
you and the Christian cause. May I die in the field of bat- 
tle. May the Lord make me a true son of Levi, holy ; and 
like David and Sampson, fearless in his service." 

As this work was commenced with the desire that it 
might be particularly useful to students of theology, and 
to young ministers of the gospel, it may not be amiss to give 
some extracts from the reply of the venerable father in the 
church, to the letter, of which the preceding is a part. 

It has already been stated, that the ardent desire of Mr. 
Taylor to enter the ministry had led him, for a while, seri- 
ously to meditate the relinquishment of his preparatory 
studies, with the design to commence public service. But, 
now, upon maturer consideration of the great importance of 
being thoroughly furnished for his work, he relinquished 
the design of executing so precipitate a step; and in his let- 
ter last noticed, intimated his determination to enter col- 
lege and finish his course of preparation. 

On this topic, the Rev. F. W. Hotchkiss, the venerable 
clergyman referred to, wrote as follows : 

" You are resolved, amidst all your honest ardour for holy 
action, to wait patiently, perseveringly, and prayerfully, until 
you have finished that course of studies, by which you may 
be richly furnished with all the endowments and acquire- 
ments necessary for distinguished usefulness. I know that 
the ardent mind of a pious youth, who is already possessed 
of much Christian attainment, is almost constrained to count 



MEMOIR. 



95 



the years of preparation, in the study of the old Roman and 
Grecian classics, as tedious— and to consider himself as resi- 
ding- in pagan, rather than in Christian climes — and to view 
mathematical and astronomical calculations as cold in com- 
parison with Christian objects. He feels as if he wanted to 
soar into higher, and warmer, and purer regions. * * His 
feelings almost propel him irresistibly to burst the confines, 
. and exult in the congenialities of Christian philanthropy. 

" Thus Henry Martyn thought and felt, but never did he 
lament the years devoted to classic studies and preparatory 
discipline of the mind. 

" There is danger, I acknowledge, in the midst of classical 
studies, of losing somewhat of that fine flow of ardent piety, 
J to preserve which, frequent action seems almost indispensa- 
ble : but the furniture of the mind and the heart, the course 
of preparation, and the engaged feelings of pious interest, can 
each have its place, and both progress together, and be hap- 
pily maintained, by keeping in sight the principal and ulti- 
mate object — by remembering that the warmth of the heart 
is soon exhausted without a mind richly stored with truth — 
and by living much in prayerful vigilance. Of such import- 
ance for Christian usefulness — yes, even for success in pre- 
paratory studies, is the habitual exercise of the spirit of 
prayer, that Luther's aphorism ought to be ever before us: 
* Bene precasse est bene studuisse,' — and we add, 1 in studiis 
multum proficere. 7 

" To profit much by study, it is necessary to keep in view 
a definite object. This you have, and this must not be lost 
sight of for an hour. Subordinating study to this object, the 
classics will be interesting, when otherwise, they will be too 
cold for the piety of youthful ardour, whose very element is 
action — and for the glowing images of a lively imagination, 
warmed by the radiant beams of the Sun of righteousness. 
The object in view, and to be gained, by preparatory studies, 
will indeed chasten enthusiasm, and direct ardent feelings 
into the happy path of usefulness. With this object before 
you, a determined system of mental discipline becomes neces- 
sary. There must be observed rigidly hours of study, hours 
of devotion, and times for action ; — nor must one be allowed 
to crowd on the other. I know the kind of action for which 
you will plead ; and should there be a great religious excite- 
ment within your reach, your whole soul would be on fire 
to be engaged. And what can be a higher object, you will 
say, or a more useful employment ? True : but your object 



96 



MEMOIR. 



is to be prepared for extensive and durable usefulness — and 
to secure this, the course of preparation must not, for a long 
time, be interrupted, and for a day must not be entirely for- 
gotten. * * * I ardently desire and pray that nothing in 
this work may be omitted, that shall qualify you to become 
a shining and an enduring light in the world — therefore a 
system must be vigilantly, prayerfully, and rigidly main- 
tained, in the midst of every self-denial, until the Lord shall 
call you forth to the field of action, where the faithful are 
triumphant, But to act well your part in that field, put on 
the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand 
against the wiles of the enemy. — And perhaps there never 
was a day, when the faithful were called to be more fully 
clothed with the whole armour of God, than the present. 
There is a mighty host of learned infidels and Unitarians, 
under the guise of Christianity, (enemies within the walls,) 
and they have all the equipment, except that of the heart, 
and will deceive if possible the very elect. You will need 
the armour which will meet theirs ; and having this, with 
the sword of the Spirit, and honesty in the cause of God, you 
will be sure of victory. The first students in Christian 
theology were in the school of Christ for more than three 
years. — This you will say was a less time than is required 
now ; but they learned under such a teacher, more languages 
than we acquire in an age. If we cannot have all their 
furniture, yet must we study to acquire much. Study, medi- 
tation, and prayer, are all necessary, in our preparation for 
the ministry; and when we are called to active service, the 
whole life of a minister is to be a life of study and action. 
Indeed, the Christian's eternity is to be with the angels, look- 
ing into the mysteries of redeeming love, which has a height 
and depth and length and breadth immeasurable. 

" With your system of preparatory studies generally, per- 
mit me to suggest the importance of having a plan of thinking 
on theology, so as to acquire one clear, connected whole, on 
the great doctrines of grace; and of keeping unembarrassed 
by disjointed parts of different systems, which mar the beauty 
of truth, and do it much injury when reduced to practice. 

" There are various denominations of Christians, and 
many good men, who have shades of difference in sentiment 
We may see in them the image of Christ, and we cannot but 
love them, though they think, on unessential points, not as 
we think. In the great missionary field, I admire the ardour, 
the action, the piety and the usefulness, of various denomina- 



MEMOIR. 



97 



tions, all engaged in leading souls to heaven. At home, 
too, as well as in the field of missions, I see good men of 
different Christian names, engaged in the same good cause. 
I love them, and feel not only charitable, but cordially affec- 
tionate to them. I even think that in some things they do 
better than those to whom I am most attached in sentiment. 
I would cordially embrace them at the communion table ; 
and I lament that. they are not willing to suspend sentiment 
on theories and absorb all in Christian fellowship. Still 
each must read and study for himself. But for usefulness 
that shall endure, it is necessary that we reduce our studies 
and thoughts to a connected system, and acquire one great 
consistent whole, fully fixed in our minds — I say fully, but 
not exclusively nor uncharitably. To be fully fixed in our 
sentiments, is necessary for usefulness to those with whom 
we converse, and also for personal enjoyment in religious 
exercises. # * # God grant that you may be firmly fixed in 
those views of divine truth, which will lead you most to 
glorify God and make you most humble in heart and in life ; 
for that, after all, is the best system, which is most produc- 
tive of these graces. * * * * And now, my very dear friend, 
and young brother, in the best bonds, when shall we have 
the pleasure of again welcoming you to my family and my 
mansion % We desire much to see your face and be re- 
freshed by your presence. My family unite with me in 
most affectionate remembrances, and earnest prayers for your 
usefulness and happiness. 

" The Elder, in Christ Jesus, salutes you, 

"Fred. Wm. Hotchkiss." 

To the foregoing wise and affectionate counsel, Mr. Tay- 
lor, on the 17th February, responded as follows: 

" James, emphatically the less, a servant of God and of 
the Lord Jesus Christ, to the elder, the well beloved, whom 
I most sincerely love in the truth; mercy unto you and 
yours, and peace and love be multiplied, from God the 
Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the dear Son of the 
Father, and our precious Redeemer. 

" Your letter, fraught with most tender expressions of 
affection, for one who truly feels himself less than the least 
of all saints, and so richly instructive, came to hand on the 
10th inst. ; for which I have thanked, and do still thank the 
Lord,, and my reverend father. 

" Be assured, it gives me pleasure to devote a few passing 
9 



98 



MEMOIR, 



moments to a correspondent I so highly prize, as an expe- 
rienced Christian, as a cordial friend, and as a master in 
Israel. * * * 

" I proceed to notice in order some of the particulars in 
your letter. — For the affectionate regard, which has led to 
the recital of my name in your domestic and social circle, 
I am to be grateful to Him who causes his children to find 
favour in the sight of men. Oftentimes does it happen that 
even Christians hesitate to welcome the ransomed of the 
Lord with the cordiality which they should manifest, and 
particularly, if they should happen to bear a different name. 

" You readily join with me in saying, these things ought 
not so to be. And the loss which some have sustained 
through prejudice, ignorance, and bigotry, (from which you 
are so free,) is incalculable. 1 Forget not to entertain stran- 
gers, for thereby some have entertained angels, unawares. 7 
Truly the badge of brotherly love, should characterize all 
who bear the Christian name. 

" The eulogy you wrote upon my letter, the adversary 
would gladly have used to excite a spirit of self-exaltation, 
which would only have procured my downfall ; but I had 
on the Christian armour; and the praise belongs to the 
Captain of my salvation, w r ho helped me so to wield the 
sword of the Spirit, as to turn the victory on the side of hu- 
mility. Yes, instead of a means of producing self-compla- 
cency, it was the occasion of self-abasement, and of going out 
of myself, and trusting in the Lord, as my wisdom, my light, 
my strength. Thus I experienced the blessedness of endu- 
ring temptation ; arid while the enemy was defeated, I was 
made to triumph. It is sufficient that the servant be as his 
Lord. We need not expect freedom from temptation, till the 
earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved. Then may we 
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to 
them that love him. 

" When you portrayed the feelings of a pious youth, you 
described to an iota my state, when I entered upon my pre- 
sent course, and while prosecuting it, till last fall. What a 
miserable week I spent, after my arrival at Lawrenceville, 
the first time ! My Latin grammar — but you have had, 
doubtless, somewhat of the same experience. I had come 
from an active life — I was enclosed within the walls of the 
academy, with children — a long academical, collegiate, and 
theological course was before me — I was growing old, &,c. 
This combination of disagreeables, together with my desire 



MEMOIR. 



09 



to be out, conspired to render me disconsolate ; yet I was 
thankful for the prospect. I would dwell longer upon this 
particular, but suffice it to say, I am now contented to re- 
main the appointed time — and I doubt not I shall ever have 
reason to admire the train of providences, which have been 
to me as 'a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by 
night.' My foot had well nigh slipped, but the Lord has 
held me up, and established my goings. 

"Your suggestions are well worthy of my frequent con- 
sideration. The object I have endeavoured to keep in view, 
viz. the glory of God, as it is connected wilh the salvation 
of sinners. To this end, I think I have coveted earnestly 
the best gifts, which I conceive to be, the spirit of prayer, 
the spirit of exhortation, and the spirit of prophecy, that is, 
the gifts of preaching. I regard the Bible, the word of God, 
as the weapon with which the minister is to do execution in 
the field of the enemy. Therefore it should be not only 
in his study and his pocket, but it should dwell richly in his 
memory and in his heart. Alas ! is it not lamentable that a 
young divine should come out, and attempt to instruct the 
church with but litth furniture from the Bible ? Classical 
and scientific knowledge are invaluable auxiliaries, but to be 
destitute of Bible truth, a minister must be greatly confound- 
ed when he comes in contact even with those who are es- 
teemed illiterate, but who have made the word of God their 
study, and their guide. * * * I lament that I am so much 
behind hand in sacred literature. I long to be mighty in 
the scriptures, to have them deeply impressed upon my 
heart — and that believing, I may therefore speak — and so 
bring from the treasury of the gospel, things new and old. 
Paul says to his son Timothy, * preach the word, 1 It is the 
word which must and will do execution ; for it is the power 
of God, and the wisdom of God, to the salvation of the soul. 

" Then I should, as you suggest, have a system of thinking 
upon theology. Doubtless you have witnessed many cases, 
where candidates for the holy ministry have neglected this 
important point. Probably they thought it a matter to be 
attended to in course. * * * This has been too much the 
case with myself; I have read more than I have thought; 
I have meditated plans, but when I look back and I see how 
little proficiency I have made — I am ashamed; yet I do not 
think I have been idle. My time has been occupied. Is there 
not a defect in my system ? Do you ask what it is ? Upon 
my first arrival here, I saw the absolute necessity of having 



100 MEMOIR, 

for my motto, 4 A place for every thing", and every thing in 
its place.' As to importance, I considered the objects de- 
manding my attention in the following order : hours of de- 
votion, time for acting, hours of study. For s]eep I appro- 
priate about seven hours ; at present and for the winter past, 
I have devoted eight hours to my academical studies, which 
are sufficient for the recitations of the class ; will you please 
propose to me the best distribution of the remaining nine 
hours 1 For a system of theological thought, I have had in 
view, besides reading the scriptures, our catechism with the 
proofs. Please express your mind fully on this point ; for 
I consider it of great importance : and to facilitate my course, 
I desire to come at every thing in the shortest and most 
practicable way. Many for want of judiciouss friend to ad- 
vise, take a circuitous route, and peradventure, when they 
commence their theological course regularly, will have many 
things to unlearn. 

" More and more do I feel the necessity of a fit and ade- 
quate preparation for the holy office — much, much, very 
much yet remains to be done — many a vacuum needs to be 
filled. I would not daub with untempered mortar, but be tho- 
roughly furnished — a workman that needs not be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the whole word and work of truth — a po- 
lished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty. But what am 1 1 
A worm, a creature of a day. May I not exclaim, who is 
sufficient for these things % But I do not despond. The Lord 
reigns, let the earth rejoice ; let our souls be glad thereof 
I may, or I may not live to enter the vineyard; about this I 
am not solicitous. My days are numbered ; my destiny is 
fixed ; I would not alter it. Infinite wisdom is the directory 
I would choose. I said I am not solicitous. I would ever 
live, leaving the morrow to take thought for itself. The 
Lord of the vineyard knows the very labourers he designs 
for it. If I be one, here, am I, Lord send me; if not — 
Amen. Any thing or nothing, that God may be glorified 
and sinners saved. Bless the Lord, O our souls. 

M I rejoice that you enjoy such nearness of access to the 
throne of grace. Is it not the privilege of the Christian to 
rejoice evermore, and to pray without ceasing, and in all 
things to give thanks ? Surely ; for it is the will of God in 
Christ Jesus concerning him. And the more childlike sim- 
plicity and godly sincerity, the more free will be the inter- 
course between heaven and our souls. * * # 

M My feelings of interest have been drawn out in an unusual 



MEMOIR, 101 

degree towards the people in Saybrook, * * I feel as if it 
was the will of the Lord that I should make them -a visit, 
Why is this % Let the Lord send by whom he will send — • 
my prayer is that he would grant them a great outpouring 
of the Holy Spirit, and that multitudes may be gathered into 
the fold of Christ. — Help me to commit my cause to God, 
in whom I would 'commence, continue, and end every 
work.' — Make request, if by any means, I may have a 
prosperous journey, by the will of God, to come unto you ; 
for I long to see you that some spiritual blessing may be im- 
parted to us, to the end that we may be more and more es- 
tablished, that is, that we may be comforted together by the 
mutual faith both of you and me. 

" Since I wrote you last, I have enjoyed precious seasons 
in the closet ; — have had the privilege of sitting at the com- 
munion table, and of a truth I have fed on Christ by faith. 
It was a refreshing, blessed time ! When shall we eat 
bread and drink new wine in the upper kingdom ! I could 
say more, but will not with ink and pen write unto thee ; 
but I trust I shall shortly see thee face to face. Peace be 
to thee. Farewell The younger, in Christ Jesus, salutes 
the elder. " Jai^es B. Taylor " 

To other members of the family, he wrote in the same 
interesting letter: — " This is our working season, and what 
we would do for God, must indeed be done quickly. For 
our encouragement we have his assurance, My grace is 
sufficient for thee. Then, however arduous our duties, 
however responsible our station, if we be faithful, God will 
be a present help in every time of need. * * My heart's 
desire and prayer to God is, that you may grow in grace, and 
in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In 
reading the scriptures on the subject of prayer, I was ready 
to reproach myself for so much remissness in this sacred 
duty. Alas ! how many hours have been lost in sleep, 
which should have been devoted to closet duties. How 
much has my soul lost by this sinful gratification of the 
flesh ! Jesus arose long before day, and sent his holy aspi- 
rations to his native heaven ! How often did he retire to 
solitary places, to raise his voice in supplication ! His life 
was a life of prayer. He delighted in holding communion 
with his Father. See him in the garden, and on the cross ! 
If he prayed so constantly, how much more do we need to 
be engaged in this duty ! But Jesus still pleads, and must 



102 



MEMOIR. 



prevail. Let us then commit our cause to Him, as our 
advocate and intercessor." 

It is delightful to observe how this dear disciple of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, made him the alpha and omega — the 
beginning and the ending of all that he did. Through all 
his voluminous correspondence, a sweet savour of Christ is 
to be found in every page — almost in every line. His love 
to relatives and friends, and to all his fellow-creatures, 
appear to have been sanctified, and elevated, and softened, 
and warmed by holy love to the blessed Redeemer. Christ 
was indeed his all. And it is to his constant and affectionate 
looking to Christ — his entire surrender of himself to Christ — 
his exclusive dependence upon Christ, with child-like simpli- 
city — we are to ascribe the great peace which constantly 
pervaded his bosom, and the holy joys which filled his heart, 
and the assurance of eternal life which cheered him under 
all the trials to which, in the providence of God, he was 
subjected. 

At every step of the delightful work, of collecting and 
compiling his letters, (which is the most that we now aim 
in this publication to accomplish,) new evidences of the fact, 
that faith, and holy love, and elevated piety, and extraordi- 
nary devotedness, mingled themselves with all Mr. Taylor's 
exercises — are constantly coming to light. 

Perhaps a stronger exhibition may not be furnished than 
is to be found in the following letter to his greatly beloved 
parents, dated at t 

" Lawrenceville, April 6, 1823. 
" Beloved Parents :— Beloved ! yes, in the best bonds, 
the bonds of our Lord Jesus Christ. Often have I held 
sweet communion with you in meditation and prayer. This 
evening I have enjoyed such a season. And while engaged 
in looking up for Heaven's blessings to descend upon my 
dear father and mother, and upon the happy family with 
which it is my privilege to be connected, my own soul was 
watered. How delightful the spirit of intercession, when 
the soul is warmed with a flame of love towards those for 
whom we plead. In this delightful exercise there is action 
and re-action, as I have experienced this night. The Lord 
gave me a spirit of prayer for you all, and my heart melted 
within me while I prayed. Love to God and love to man 
pervaded my soul. Doubtless you have been blessed with 



MEMOIR, 



103 



many such heavenly gales in praying for others. May you 
ever- have enlarged hearts, when addressing the throne of 
grace in behalf of your ever affectionate James. And in 
answer to your prayers, may streams from the heavenly 
fountain descend to water the kingdom of God, which I 
know is set up in my soul. I have not, my dear parents, 
a more convincing evidence of my natural life than I have 
of the spiritual life within me, if peace, love, and joy in 
the Holy Ghost, are evidences of one ? s acceptance with God ; 
* for these are within me and abound. O what abundant 
cause I have to speak of the Lord's goodness to me. But 
my tongue cannot speak, much less can my pen describe, 
the marvellous loving-kindness of the Lord. O, he is good, 
- and his mercy endureth for ever.' O that men would praise 
him for his wonderful works to the children of men. — Since 
I left New York, I have had a fulness of joy and love 
indescribable. The windows of heaven have been opened, 
and have poured down fatness. The oil and wine of conso- 
lation have been freely imparted, and I have gone on from 
day to day praising the Lord. Jesus alone is the source of 
my happiness. His presence makes my paradise. Take 
Jesus from the Bible, and the sinner's hope is gone. Take 
Jesus from the child of God below, and this world would 
be a desert. — Take him away in the hour of death, and all 
is darkness and despair. Take him from heaven, and hea- 
ven would be annihilated. Let Jesus, then, be our all. 
May we walk as he walked, live near to him, and ever 
follow him whithersoever he leadeth. As the good Shep- 
herd, he will lead us into the green pastures, and make us 
to lie down beside the still waters. How rich his provi- 
sions ! How refreshing to our souls ! Foretastes of heaven 
and endless felicity! Lord, evermore give us this food. 
I feel that I am a pilgrim, away from my home, and from 
my Love, whom I can only see by the eye of faith. But 
by and by — O welcome hour ! my soul, and your souls too, 
will escape from these tenements of clay, and wing their 
flight to heaven and glory. And there we shall see Him 
as he is. — Who would not be there ? 

1 My Saviour smiles, and bids me come.' 

" Behold, my parents, what God hath wrought for your 
son ! Once, he was an unrenewed sinner, — a child of the 
devil, — an heir of hell, and pressing on in the way to the bot- 
tomless pit. What a mercy that I am not calling for a drop 



104 



MEMOIR. 



of water, to cool my tongue in that inextinguishable fire? 
What grace, that I have been born again, — that I am a child 
of God, and an heir of life, travelling to the city of God, — 
the new Jerusalem ! What shall we render to the Lord for 
his love to me, his love to you, his love to our household ! 
What shall we render % Our hearts — our whole undivided 
affections ! 

"My father, * * * * the Comforter, which is the Holy 
Ghost — the promise of the Father, you have had to dwell 
with you, and I doubt not he will remain in you. May you 
and my dear mother be built up in faith and holiness — grow 
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ; and so ripen for heaven, and finally be gathered 
as shocks of corn in their season. May I meet you there, 
where I expect we shall meet and praise God for ever. 

" My brothers F. and S. arrived last night — I received by 
them your token of affection. We shall share it together, 
with a thankful remembrance of that hand which has so 
often fed and nourished us in our childhood. What plea- 
sure would it give me to enjoy a repast at your table ! What 
pleasure to enjoy a spiritual feast around your family altar, 
and together in the closet. 

" How are grandmothers ? I hope the candle of the Lord 
shines around them and in their souls, to light them safe to 
the world of life and glory. 

" How are our dear relatives % O that they were all on 
the Lord's side. — May he convince the unconvinced, and 
convert the unconverted ones, and make those that love him, 
like trees planted by the water courses. My love to them all. 

11 My health is good — my soul is happy — heaven smiles 
— Jesus is precious — God is my portion, and heaven my 
home, — farewell. Your affectionate son, 

"James B. Taylor." 

The following extracts from two letters written to the 
wife of a gentleman in the city of New York, who was at 
the time confined by a lingering and painful disease, and 
which during the month of May, 1823, released her from 
this w r orld of sin and sorrow, will show how kindly affec- 
tioned was Mr. Taylor towards the afflicted, and how well 
qualified to administer consolation to the saints in their trials. 

" My dear Mrs. R, shall I say that since I bade you fare- 
well, expecting never to meet you again in this vale of 



MEMOIR. 



105 



tears, my thoughts have often run hack to your habitation ? 
Yes, my sister, and they have as often dwelt upon your 
name and your situation, with no ordinary emotions. Happy, 
thrice happy your lot; for all things are yours, whether 
Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, 
or things present, or things to come ; all are yours ; and 
you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 

" When last in New York, I enjoyed the privilege of sit- 
ting beside your bed, and holding sweet converse with you. 
Now, though far removed, I can, and do still hold spiritual 
communion with you, and what I now write, I pray God 
to turn to your spiritual comfort, and to the good of those 
connected with you. 

" I said the intercourse I had with you was sweet. Indeed, 
whenever I left the chamber of affliction, my soul exulted 
in God. The Lord has blessed me while interceding for 
you since. I have gained nearness of access to him while 
complying with your request, * Pray for ma' — And doubt- 
less you have rested under the shadow of the Almighty 
with increasing delight, and found his banner over you to 

! be love — that love which casteth out fear — fear of man, 
of death, of the grave, of judgment, and of hell. Have not 
your prospects brightened ? Have you not seen by faith 
the land of everlasting righteousness? Have you not? 
But I stop — perhaps my sister has already passed away 
to her rest with the shout of victory, and received the crown 
of life! ***** 

" But my sister may be yet alive. — It may still remain for 
her to suffer as well as do the will of God a little longer on 
earth. Do you not reply, Amen, 1 The will of the Lord be 
done.' If so, be assured, the best is yet to come. God has 
great things in store for those who think of him, delight in 
him, and acquiesce in his will. Then count it all joy, that 
it is given you in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on 
him, but to suffer for his sake. * He is not an high priest 
which cannot be touched with a feeling of your infirmities, 
having been tempted in all points like as we are, yet without 
sin.' Are you tempted ? Are you tried? Doubtless you 

: are still exercised with agonizing pain. Look to the Lord, 
— behold the Lamb of God who purchased your present hope, 
your comfort, love, joy, peace, pardon, and future prospects. 
See Jesus in the manger — in his life of labour and suffer- 
ing. See him agonizing in the garden, and dying on the 
cross, and say, 



106 



MEMOIR. 



1 Rest — rest my happy peaceful soul , 
Rest in thy bless'd Saviour's arms, 
Till all the billows o'er thee roll, 
Till life shall end with all its storms. 1 

" A few more days, and your happy release shall come. 
Your soul is now above ; your affection is on God as your 
satisfying portion, yet you pant for full enjoyment — your lan- 
guage is, 1 Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.' Then fear 
not. Cast thy all upon the Lord; he is not far off — he will 
not tarry. He waits to be your rod and staff — and O how 
strong his arm — he is mighty to save, even in the dying 
hour. How sweet to lean upon our beloved — his voice is 
sweet, and his countenance is comely. When your work is 
done, Jesus will come. Do you ask, What have I to do ? 
What can I do ? Have you not to tell what God hath done 
for your soul 1 To warn — to exhort some sinner to come to 
Christ. May you be faithful to God, to yourself, and to 
those around your sick and dying bed. The Lord has cho- 
sen you in the furnace of affliction : This may not be joyous 
for the present, but grievous ; but be of good cheer, it will 
produce the peaceable fruits of righteousness. It has done 
this already. God has sanctified this vistitation to you, and 
to the salvation of your dear companion. Shall it stop here? 
May it lead to the conviction and conversion of your whole 
household, and of all who shall witness the grace of God as 
already displayed. 

"A word to your sisters — When will you, my dear fellow 
travellers to the grave — to the bar of God — to eternity, pre- 
pare for these awful scenes ? Are you yet in your sins ? 
What — and exposed to the shafts of death which fly so thick 
around you ? Why will ye die ? — die the death eternal ? 
Need you % There yet is room — room in the love of God ; 
room in the heart of the suffering, dying Saviour. Come then, 
and have your sins washed away — come and be made the 
happy recipients of grace and love divine — now — now. Stay 
no longer at a distance. But * * we are hastening to the 
tomb, and soon our destiny will be unalterably fixed. I would 
rejoice to meet you at the right hand of the Judge. Will you 
not prepare to meet God in peace ? All things are ready on 
his part ; are you ready to give yourself unalterably away 
to Christ. Then come — come without delay, with all your 
sins, with all your burdens ; come to the friend of sinners, 
and he will make you whole. His call to you is, * Turn ye, 



MEMOIR* 



107 



turn ye.' 1 He that believeth shall be saved ; he that believ- 
eth not shall be damned.' 

" Mr. R. you need, and I trust you find, the supporting hand 
of our heavenly Father. You have reason to sing of mercy 
while you talk of the judgments of God. Be passive in his 
hands. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right ? And 
he is your friend, cleave to him — ' the afflictions of the right- 
eous are many, but the Lord delivereth him out of them alL* 
Hope for the best : prepare for the worst ; the heaviest trials 
are from the hand of a Father. The cup that he adminis- 
ters, shall we not drink it ? Soon shall our crosses give 
place to a crown ; shall we be counted worthy to wear it at 
the feet of Jesus? 

" I have enjoyed this day sweet hopes of heaven. The Lord 
is good to me, and my cup often runs over. May your pros- 
pects brighten continually. O let us strive to be uncommon — ■ 
that is, eminently pious, devoted Christians. As we go out 
and come in, at all times — under all circumstances, let us 
make it manifest that we are for God. It will cost us some- 
thing — but the more we sacrifice and expend for him, the 
more will our consolation abound." 

" Lawrence ville, 9th May, 1823. 

" My dear Mrs. R. — Little did I "think when I addressed 
you last, that you would have survived until this time. Do 
you inquire, why is it so ? Secret things belong to God, 
but things revealed to us ; and what we know not now, we 
shall know hereafter. 

" The Lord works in a mysterious way to execute his pur- 
poses of mercy towards the children of men. In bringing 
some to the acknowledging of the truth, he chooses them in 
the furnace of affliction. Thus has it. been with you and your 
beloved compa kion. As an example of patience to others, he 
often times continues the rod of affliction upon the afflicted one, 
yet it is with the promise, ' My grace is sufficient for thee.' 
Be, then, of good courage; Jesus has gone before you; he 
has suffered cruel tortures — he died an ignominious death ; 
he entered the grave — but he arose triumphantly — and 
now is our Elder Brother, at the right hand of the Majesty 
on high. Would you not follow him % Yes, you reply ; fol- 
low the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Shrink not then 
from pain ; fear not the swellings of Jordan — the silence of 
the grave ; ' for the sting of death is sin and when this is 
extracted through justification, and sanctification from sin, 
10 



108 



MEMOIR, 



death cannot hurt you, and I believe will not frighten you. 
No : it is not the child of God — it is not the heir of heaven 
that will start back from entering his eternal home ; but the 
child of the devil and the heir of hell, that must be alarmed 
and in despair. O, the joy and bliss of dying a Christian ! 
The portals of paradise are then not only seen, but thrown 
wide open, that an heir of glory may enter in. Who would 
not die the death of the Christian? And we know that the 
life of the Christian alone is attended with peace and joy. 

" While you are absent from your Father's house — while 
you remain a pilgrim here below — may you have much of 
heaven in your soul. I have longed to see your face once 
more ; but farewell : I hope to meet you at the right hand of 
God. I hope to hail your happy spirit in the heavenly Ca- 
naan, and there join with you in singing the song of ever- 
lasting deliverance. 

M Since I wrote you, the Lord has been very gracious to 
me — I have enjoyed precious seasons. How good it is to 
draw near to the mercy seat ! then it is that our souls cry 
out, ' Lord, ever more give us this bread.' — I am unworthy — 
1 am nothing — Jesus is all — he is the beloved of our souls, 
May he ever be the chiefest among ten thousand, and alto- 
gether lovely. 

"Next Lord's day I expect to enjoy the privilege of wit- 
nessing to the world that I have chosen him for my all. 
It will be a communion season with us. Soon we shall eat 
bread in the upper kingdom. Prayer will be turned into 
praise — faith into vision — and ordinances into the enjoyment 
of his presence face to face, whom we now remember. 

" Mr. R. lean upon the Lord : he says, * I will not forsake 
thee.' The language of your dear companion is, 1 Weep 
not for me, the separation may be soon, but cannot be long.' 
We are all travellers to another world, and must soon be 
there. With much affection, yours, 

"James B. Taylor." 

Reference has been already made to the fragments of a 
diary found among Mr. Taylor's papers, from which mate- 
rials for making a fair representation of his character might 
be obtained. 

It is in what a Christian writes of himself, — his exercises, 
trials, and the means employed to keep alive the flame of 
holy love in his heart — especially when it is designed ex- 
clusively for his own inspection, and written under the eye 



MEMOIR. 



109 



of God, and with a deep sense of his presence, — that we find 
a true and faithful exhibition of the inner man. 

Such was the diary of Mr. Taylor, and indeed there is 
no evidence that he ever wished or thought of the publica- 
tion of either his journal or of the correspondence, so full 
of the effusions of a most affectionate and pious heart, from 
which the materials for this memoir are chiefly derived. 

It is a matter of regret that twelve of the earliest numbers 
of Mr. Taylor's diary cannot be found. There are five re- 
maining, beginning with No. 13, which bears date the 1st of 
May, 1823. 

The first notice, is of pain, and of its being sanctified : 

" This morning I was visited with a sciatic, which rendered 
it difficult for me to move. But the Lord ordered it for good ; 
for it had a tendency to lead me to himself, and I enjoyed a 
foretaste of heaven ; I mused and the fire burned, my soul 
was caught up from earth — and the portals of paradise — and 
the blessed residence of the saints, were opened to the eye 
of faith. 4 When shall I wake, and find me there !' 

" Wrote this day to Miss W. — May the Lord follow my 
communications with his peculiar blessings. — I found when 
in New York that my letters had not been in vain, but had 
comforted some, and stirred up others." 

Connected with this entry is a note by another hand : — 
" That very letter was much blessed to souls." — We make 
the following extracts : 

" Do you ask how I enjoyed myself while in New York ? 
With some of the dear children of God I had sweet com- 
munion. But alas ! with how many of those who profess 
relig* n, and cry, Lord, Lord, yet do not the things which 
he commands, did I meet ! Was their conversation in 
heaven? No! Were their hearts there? No ! for they dwelt 
upon things of earth. Out of the abundance of the heart the 
mouth speaketh: their theme was not the goodness of God — 
not the love of God in their own hearts, and as manifested 
to others, — but fine houses, handsome furniture, fashionable 
dresses, beautiful forms, riches, pleasures, and such like— 
and as a matter of little moment — they talk of this minister 
as an eloquent orator ; that, as a fine writer; and a third, indif- 
ferent. True, the business of the world ought to be attended, 
to in its season ; but for a professor of the name of Jesus, or 
10 



110 



3IEMOIR. 



any other person, to dwellu pon these things continually and 
with delight, indicates such a one to be under blindness of 
mind, hardness of heart, and contempt for the word of God. 

" Of conversation, the apostle saith, 'As he which hath cal- 
led you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, 
because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.' And we 
have the assurance that without holiness, no man, no woman, 
let his or her name be what it may — their possessions, nay, 
their professions, what they may, 'shall see the Lord.' 
What a requirement ! how great ! but nothing is impos- 
sible with God, and with him there is 'plenteous redemption. 
But to return — they are not without a hardened heart. Their 
convictions are ulled to sleep, if not entirely expelled, by the 
sentiment: ' We must be somewhat conformed to the world/ 
Others say, ' We must mix with the multitude.' For the 
former no excuse can be allowed: the Bible allows none — 
the world will not — their profession will not, ' Thus saith 
the Lord,' should silence every excuse, and quell every 
rising emotion of worldiiness; and what does the Lord say? 
1 Be not conformed to this world. 5 What is this but an axe 
laid at the root of every worldly thought, desire, and action, 
which are not subservient to our growth in grace, and the 
advancement of Christ's kingdom in the earth'? As to the 
latter, it is obvious that w r e must in seme degree mix with 
the multitude — but does this make it necessary that w r e must 
be partakers of their sins ? No, nor of their follies, which 
are sins. Christ's prayer for his disciples is, ' Keep them 
from the evil.' But those that I describe, hold the word of 
God in contempt, for they disobey its commands, which are 
holy, just, and good. They manifest that they love the 
world, and the things of it, inordinately. The w 7 ord of 
God says, Come out from among them, and be ye separate; 
and touch not the unclean thing. Out of their own mouths 
they are condemned. Oh ! these things ought not to be so — 
may our garments be kept clean and unspotted from the 
world With those who mind earthly things, the child of 
God can have little enjoyment. May the Lord arouse by 
his Spirit and his word, all lukewarm and worldly minded 
Christians — if indeed there be such a compound as a worldly 
minded Christian. 

" You will not think me an egotist, for I comply with your 
request, when I write of the Lord's dealings with myself. 
The day on which I bid you farewell, w^as commemorative 
of the most eventful era of my existence. You readily recur 



MEMOIR, 



ill 



to the 23d April, one year ago. From the circumstance 
attending me that day, travelling, &c, I enjoyed but little 
opportunity for retirement. How gratefully did I hail my 
habitation ; for the Lord had protected and brought me safe 
to my resting place. I made the field, screened with woods, 
my closet, where I could address my Father in secret. How 
many, driven from home for the name of Jesus, have sought 
shelter in the woods, with the vaulted heavens for their 
covering, and there, as well as in dens and caves of the earth, 
have poured out their souls before the Lord, who hears when 
his children cry. 

"Shall I transcribe what I recorded of the LorcTs goodness 
to me on the 24th, the day after my arrival? [This seems 
to be an extract from a part of his diary which has been 
destroyed.] 

" April 24th. Had a most precious season at the throne of 
grace. How often has the Lord blessed me in that very spot ! 
It appears sacred. My soul was melted this evening. My 
spirit cried, Abba, Father. Jesus, though unseen by mortal 
eye, was precious, as seen by the eye of faith. The oil and 
wine of consolation were poured into my soul — had a spirit 
of intercession for my dear friends. 

"Sabbath following. — What shall I render to the Lord for 
all his benefits ? My cup has this day run over. My conso- 
lation has abounded. The good Shepherd has led me into 
green pastures, and I have fed upon the rich foretastes of 
heaven. I have found my powers too feeble to praise and 
bless the God of my salvation as I would, and could only say, 
Glory to God ! Glory to my dear Saviour ! Hallelujah to the 
Lamb for ever ! O how sweet I have found it to call upon 
God in secret ! It is not to be described, as you know, if you 
have felt the refining flame of God's love; but it is 'full of 
glory. 1 Perfect love filled, and now fills my soul. I have 
wept tears of joy and gratitude, and tears of praise, at the 
feet of Jesus. I have called God my Father, with the spirit 
of adoption. Truly the Comforter has come, and I long to 
depart and be with Christ. How small, how vain, the world 
appears ! Alas ! that any should seek their happiness here ! 
O could they feel what I experience, the world would wane 
and dwindle into nothing. But why was I made to hear his 
voice and enter in? Why was it? Lord, why was it I? My 
heart melted again and again, and floods of tears flowed gently 
down. How delightful such an exercise? What an ante- 
past of heaven, when the soul holds converse with God I 
10 # 



112 



MEMOIR, 



While engaged in singing in the family, the Lord drew 
near, and my heart began to burn with love. I then retired 
to my sacred retreat, and poured out my soul before him, 
Ah, how foolish is such language as this to the poor world- 
ling, the gay, the thoughtless! But the child of grace, the 
renovated soul alone knows the joys of pardoned sin. 4 1 had 
rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to 
dwell in the tents of wickedness.' I had an affecting view 
of my utter unworthiness ; and truly I am a wonder to 
myself— *a miracle of grace.' By the grace of God I am 
what I am;, a sinner saved by grace; a sinner changed by 
the Spirit ; a sinner accepted of God, through Christ, and 
tending towards heaven, and longing to be there! Were it 
the will of God, this night would I go; yet I am willing to 
stay, and suffer and do the will of God. I have given, and 
now give myself away to him ; I am not my own ; I have 
been bought with a price. Jesus, be thou my all; be thou 
King supreme. Reign without a rival. Sway thy sceptre 
universally. Rule for ever, King of kings, and Lord of 
lords. Amen, 

" The above is an account of my exercises for two days, 
This day has the Lord given me a memento of my morta- 
lity. This morning I was seized with a pain, which ren- 
ders it difficult for me to move. 4 We bloom to day, to-mor- 
row die. 1 But the Lord meant it for good, and I have rea- 
son to thank him for his token of love. 4 What son hath he 
whom he chasteneth not V I have taken a view of the grave 
—of the bar of God and of heaven — and my desire was to 
launch away — yet I submit and wait. I see nothing here to 
live for, but to spend and be spent for God ; and no longer 
than I may be useful, would I remain here below. O when 
shall we hear the sound, fr Come up higher/ 

44 This beings the first of May, I presume you have been 
in the midst of bustle and confusion, yet doubtless you 
have been in perfect peace. This is the excellency of reli- 
gion — that while the spirits of darkness rage, and wicked 
men blaspheme — while the world seek the pleasures of 
sense, yet never find any thing to slake their thirst — while 
the vain love themselves and follow the vanities of the earth 
— while they are disappointed in life, wretched in death, and 
lost for ever, the meek and humble followers of the Lamb 
find peace and quietude of soul below — peace or triumph in 
death, and God and heaven for ever. 

"Take your pleasures then, ye worldlings— enjoy the 



MEMOIBS, 



113 



gayeties of life, ye vain spendthrifts of time— trifle with your 
souls — dance on the brink of ruin — sell your all for nought, 
and forfeit heaven at last. But let me live the life, and die 
the death of the righteous ; for the righteous, the righteous 
alone have hope in death. Farewell. 

I'" Yours in the best of bonds, 
"J. B. Taylor, 
" P. S. 1 wished to say something to Miss M — upon 

this all-important subject. I hope she views it as all-impor- 
tant.— But however she may admit its importance, it will 
avail her nothing, unless she feel its power in her own soul 
This must be experienced, or she must be lost for ever. 

" To the young ladies too, I would say, hear the words of 
Jesus Christ ; 4 Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise 
; perish.' J. B. T." 

I We return again to the interesting diary from which we 
began to make some extracts. 
11 May 3d, 1 823. Had a delightful communion season, at 
my stated evening devotion ; and found much pleasure in- 
reading the Word, and in calling upon the name of the 
Lord. 

" Sabbath-day, May 4th. Another Christian Sabbath has 
dawned upon this world, which, but for religion, would be a 
hell, and its inhabitants incarnate devils. 

" The Sabbath shed forth its cheering light- — but the Lord 
of the Sabbath hid his face from me. Why is this ? He 
knows the reason ; and so do I. My guide has been forsa- 
ken, I have broken my covenant with him, and the conse- 
quence is, my soul is in darkness and distress. Surely, 'the 
way of transgressors is hard, 7 and peculiarly so to the* 
child of God, who has not only tasted that he is gracious, 
but has been filled with his perfect love. Morning duties 
were attended to, as usual, but the glory had departed. The 
form was there, but where was the power 9 My soul had 
by transgression left its rest, and leanness, the inevitable 
consequence of a departure from God, was inscribed upon 
it. I sought the Lord, but found him not to the satisfying 
of my soul. I repaired to the house of God, but my love 
was absent. Returning home, I felt dissatisfied with 
my situation, and refused to be comforted, but by the Holy 
Ghost. O how keen the anguish, 1 My God to love, and net 
my God alone? How keen the reproach of ingratitude^ in* 
10* 



114 



MEMGii; 



forsaking my best friend. Thanks to the Lord that I felt my 
need, and saw the remedy, and that I had the disposition to 
return to him from whom I had revolted. I wished to wan- 
der no further. My soul thirsted for God. I could praise 
him for what he had done for me — I felt that he was just in 
withdrawing from me, and that were I in hell I could but 
praise him. I looked to him for direction as I opened his 
blessed word, and he answered my prayer. I opened, I 
read, 'So fight I, not as one that beateth the air ; but I keep 
under my body and bring it into subjection ; lest by any 
means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be 
a cast-away.' The Word was seasonable; I had not kept 
my body under ; it enabled me to have right views of myself. 
I hastened to the throne of grace, and found it good. The 
Lord dispensed his favour, and shed abroad his love in my 
heart. Thanks to his name for pardon and sanctification ! 
Oh ! why was I not left to hardness of heart ! not unto me, 
but unto the Lord belongeth praise ; for he bringeth salva- 
tion. Again I looked up to the Lord, and again opened 
and read his blessed word : ' Be strong and of good cou- 
rage ; I will be with thee : I will not fail thee, nor forsake 
thee: only be thou strong and very courageous.' May 
my care and fear evermore be this, not to do any one 
thing displeasing to my God ; and he will take care of all 
the rest. * * * * *. * * 

"May 12th. Had a delightful season at the throne of 
grace, both in prayer and in reading the scriptures. The 
Word is spirit and life — Lord open my mind more and 
more to understand the scriptures — Make me mighty in the 
scriptures. 

44 29th May. Wrote to Sarah, my coloured friend." 

From this letter, we make the following extract, as a spe- 
cimen of the affectionate spirit of Mr. Taylor, as manifested 
towards the children of God, of whatever colour or condi- 
tion. 

" How is Aunt Sarah ! Perhaps her mortal frame is 
sinking under the weight of old age, and ready to fall a 
prey to death — doubtless you look to the day of your death, 
as better than the day of your birth. You will hail the 
hour of your departure as a release from your burdens and 
sorrows, when your happy spirit shall wing its way to the 
paradise of God. Does not your soul exult in the prospect 1 



MEMOIR. 



115 



The New Jerusalem is just before you — that city that hath 
foundations. It is the home of the saints. There dwells 
our Saviour; there you will see. him as he is; and there 
meet the redeemed of the Lord out of every nation, and 
kingdom, and tongue, and people. * * * Do you expect 
to meet me there? I know you dc — and I hope to find 
some humble place at the feet of my blessed Redeemer. 
# # # i nave already the earnest of the heavenly rest — 
Pray that I may enjoy yet more and more, and so grow up 
into Christ our living head. While you shall be praising 
God in glory, I may be sounding the gospel trumpet. Pray 
. that it may be to the awakening of many a poor sinner, 
and the means of gathering multitudes of precious souls 
into the kingdom of God's dear Son, 

" The prospect of living to serve the Lord in his vineyard, 
is pleasant, if it be his will. To die, I know would be 
gain; but I am not anxious. The Lord, whose I am, knows 
that I am his, by creation, by the purchase of the blood of 
Jesus, by the sanctification of his Spirit. To the Lord Je- 
sus, as to a faithful creator, would I commit my all ; come 
sickness or health, life or death, all, all will be well ; not 
my will, but the will of the Lord be done," 

As this memoir was commenced, principally with the 
wish that it might be useful to young preachers of the gos- 
pel, and especially to candidates for the ministry, we give, 
before returning to the diary, an extract from a letter writ- 
ten to a much valued friend — bearing date, Lawrenceville, 
7th June, 1823. 

In this letter will be found sentiments, and an expression 
of affections, well worthy the serious consideration of all 
those who are in the ministry, or who are seeking this most 
responsible office. 

" The past wears an aspect to me truly astonishing. My 
long course of iniquity before conversion — Fourteen years 
spent in folly and in sin — My early impressions when com- 
pared with the multitude who throng the downward road 
— My being led to the Lamb of God, \ that taketh away 
the sin of the world,' and made a happy partaker of grace 
and love divine — My being called of the Lord of the har- 
vest, to preach the gospel, or rather to prepare for it — how 
wonderful ! I know not, indeed, that he will put me into 
the ministry, but if not, I have the prospect of being taken 



116 



MEMOIR. 



from rendering an imperfect service below, to a perfect ser- 
vice in the upper sanctuary. * # 

" 1 look upon my residence in New York, as highly bene- 
ficial. There I gained a fund of information, to be gained 
only in such a situation. Little did I think that I was then 
acquiring a knowledge of men and manners to fit me better 
for the sacred office. 

" Do you ask how I am affected towards my former em- 
ployment ? Never since I left it, have I felt any desire to re- 
turn. My aversion to every thing of this kind has increas- 
ed, and my mind would sicken at the thought of ever re- 
turning to the business of this world. I rejoice in the in- 
disposition to attend to any thing that is not intimately con- 
nected with my calling. 

" It is to be feared that some, (alas ! for them,) commence 
study for the holy ministry from sinister motives. Some 
seek worldly emolument — some popular applause — others 
— and we hope, these are the majority — seek souls for their 
hire. Says a correspondent, writing of a candidate for the 
ministry, * He has by his education become a different man, 
and has a different kind of piety, and time must develope 
whether it is for the better or the worse.' How sad — how 
melancholy, that any of the sons of Levi should grow cold 
in the service of the church of Christ. How afflicting to 
the lover of Zion to witness engagedness in any Christian 
decline ; but particularly, to see a candidate for the ministry 
lose his ardent zeal for the good of souls. But ' let him that 
thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.' Of this I have 
been mindful, and I would ever keep it in mind ; nor would 
I be puffed up, or vain glorious, that the good shepherd hath 
led me into his green pastures, and fed me, and made me to 
lie down by the still waters \ for who maketh me to differ 
from the impenitent, the thoughtless, the hardened, and in- 
corrigible ? And what have I, that I have not received 
from Him, who giveth liberally and upbraideth not? 'Tis 
all of grace and to God only wise, be all the glory. 

" I apprehended danger upon entering on my academical 
course, from the many snares attendant upon such a life. 
I dreaded the thought of becoming a formalist. The plan 
which I then considered best for a student with prospects 
like mine — nay, whatever may be his prospects, (and I am 
confirmed in my opinion,) is, 1. Strictly and most punctually 
to perform his closet duties. 2. He should exercise regu- 
larly for the benefit of his body. This will aid him in the 



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117 



first, and better prepare him for entering upon prosecuting 
the 3d.— viz. Diligent application to his studies. — But the 
Lord has been better, a thousand times better, than all my 
fears. Instead of declining, my march has been onward 
in the divine life. Were I to attempt a narration it would 
be impossible for me to tell you even the half. Suffice 
it to say, I have had during the last thirteen months, the 
witnessing of God's Spirit with mine that I am born from 
above, and travelling to heaven. The fruit of the Spirit 
has been, from day to day, love — peace — and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. 

" The prospect to me is pleasant. I glory in the thought 
of one day becoming an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ 
to dying men. Paul was an ambassador in bonds. What 
a privilege to die for the Lord Jesus ! I said I glory, but 
not in my own strength, for my sufficiency is of God : yet 
while I glory in the prospect, I am not anxious. I do con- 
sider myself not my own ; I have been bought with a price ; 
I am the Lord's, to be dealt with agreeably to his will. My 
times and seasons, health and faculties, talents and influence, 
life and death, are all in his hands. He hath done all things 
well. And my language is, * reign in me, over me ; reign 
universally, King of kings, and Lord of all.' 

" Years must revolve before my fathers in the church will 
send me forth. But they are ministering as stewards in 
the house of God. When sent forth, may I hear the voice 
of the great Head of the church saying to me, * Go.' Then 
onward will be my watchword ; onward, to warn the sinner 
to flee from the wrath to come ; onward, to lead the anxious 
inquirer to the sinner's friend ; onward, to feed the lambs 
and sheep of Christ's flock — to visit the sick and afflicted — 
to smooth the declining path of the aged — to guide the young 
—to refresh the weary — to illumine, if possible, by conver- 
sation and prayer, the vale of death ; onward, to live to and 
for God — to finish my course with joy; onward, to the grave 
—to the bar of God — to glory." 

The reader cannot have failed to notice the high-toned 
and devoted piety of Mr. Taylor, as manifested in all his 
correspondence ; and may well inquire, by what means he 
made such attainments in spirituality? To this question 
the answer is perfectly obvious : Religion, with him, was no 
secondary interest, but the one thing needful — the absorb- 
ing subject of his thoughts and affections ; and with great 



118 



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constancy did he practice its duties, and especially those 
which bring the souls of God's people more immediately 
into his presence, such as secret prayer, meditation, and 
reading- the scriptures. These seemed to be the very ele- 
ments of his being, and to afford the fuel that kept alive the 
fire of holy love in his heart. Not only in the foregoing 
letter, but in all his correspondence, and every where in his 
diary, it is evident that he made communion with God his 
first object, nor could he be satisfied without its actual en- 
joyment ; so that whenever, through inattention to the state 
of his heart, the prevalence of temptation, or the derange- 
ment of the animal economy, he found not "him whom his 
soul loved," he rested not till the joy of God's sa]vation was 
restored, and he could again say, " My beloved is mine, and 
I am his." 

What in this respect Mr. Taylor practised himself, he 
affectionately recommended to his friends, as may be seen 
in many parts of his most pious and affectionate letters. 

To his beloved friend, the Rev. Charles Hyde, he wrote : 

" 22d June, 1823. 
### ###«^ stated time, a particular place, and 
punctuality, I find necessary to keep up the life and power 
of religion in the soul. To attend to the. duties of the 
closet, an ancient disciple said to his company, as an excuse 
for leaving them, 1 1 have a friend now in waiting to speak 
with me.' Intrusion upon the hours set apart for God, 
cannot fail to make serious inroads upon the health of the 
spiritual man. Let us, my friend, be punctual with God." 

i 

It is appropriate to remark in this connexion, that Mr. 
Taylor sought and enjoyed this high state of pious affec- 
tion, and constant communion with God, not as a duty, but 
a delightful privilege. Not merely for his own sake, but 
for the benefit of others, and as a most important part of his 
preparation for the ministry of the gospel ; nor did he ever 
lose sight of the great work in which he so ardently desired 
to be employed. In a letter to a much esteemed brother, 
bearing date the 29th June, 1823, on his being appointed to 
the office of deacon in the church, he wrote : " I trust you 
accepted this office, not merely as called by the church, but 
by the great Head of the church. It is the consciousness 
of moving in the sphere to which God calls, that makes his 
servant patient and persevering, and affords the delightful 



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119 



testimony to himself, that he pleases God. This is an office 
in which Jesus himself ministered. How careful was he 
that the wants of the poor should be supplied. He sent 
nona empty away, although he himself was oftentimes hun- 
gry, and thirsty, and weary, and heavy laden ; weary in 
traversing the country on foot, and heavy laden in bearing 
a burden not his own. * * * O my brother, what a privi- 
lege to follow m the footsteps of Emmanuel, God with us. 
* # • • c • j3 y 0U no t f ee j y 0U h aYe mU ch to do ? 

We are looked upon as those who must enforce precept by 
holy example. The church and the world have their eyes 
upon us. God requires us to be faithful. Our happiness 
depends upon it. Perhaps the comfort, the salvation of 
others depend upon it. May it then be our study to be 
mighty in the scriptures — full of faith and the Holy Ghost. 
That we may be properly qualified for our stations, how 
much prayer and watchfulness on our part — how much grace 
on God's part — is necessary ? Lord help, for vain is the 
help of man. 

" To what I am destined I cannot tell, nor am I anxious. 
I am blest with contentment, while the conviction abides 
with me, that it is my duty to prepare, if possible, for any 
station in the church : and then to accept of that to which 
Providence shall call me. My views are changed wholly 
from what they were for a short time. I am very deeply 
impressed with the necessity of a thorough, full course of 
preparation. The Lord has done great and good things for 
me, whereof I am glad." * # # 

In his diary, we find about the same date, an entry to this 
effect — which shows how strong was Mr. Taylor's conviction 
of the necessity of a thorough training for the high calling 
at which he aimed : " O for the gift of preaching ! Lord, 
give success to my labours to acquire knowledge. I see 
the importance of being fully furnished for the ministry — 
the necessity of a continual application to the work before 
me. My views in this respect have entirely changed, and 
I am contented. What thanks are due to that Providence 
which has held me up and impelled me forward % Alas \ 
my shortsightedness. But the Lord meant it for good, 
and my aim was good. I have learned lessons from expe- 
rience which are, and ever will be, valuable to me. 

" July 4th, 1823. The Lord is as strangely good as I am 
in practice strangely perverse ; yet I sometimes think I am 
11 



120 



MEMOIR. 



the happiest creature on earth. But why am I thus? 
Never do I feel myself more insignificant and mean, than 
when I am blessed with an overpowering sense of the divine 
presence ; and yet with strong confidence do I approach my 
heavenly Father. I do not, cannot doubt my being a son 
of faithful Abraham, and therefore a child of promise. Not 
unto me be praise, but to him who hath procured it for me, 
and blessed me with this adoption. 

" 5th. Had a precious season before the throne of grace 
this morning. O the hidden mystery — 'tis hidden from the 
world. Surely, the sweetest moments enjoyed by the chil- 
dren of God, are when the world is entirely shut out. Could 
the world know this — could they have one glimpse of the 
light that beams upon the souls of the saints — could they 
enjoy the hope which the flame of divine love kindles in the 
heart that trusts in Christ, they would be constrained to call 
him ' the pearl of great price.' O the heaven of love — this 
evening too ; I am astonished at the goodness of the Lord ; 
I am a wonder to myself when I look at former years ; my 
cup runneth over — my heart is too full for utterance — but 
the Lord knoweth its meaning. Went after meeting to 
meditate among the tombs. It was starlight ; but yet the 
darkness was sufficient to screen me from the view of pass- 
ing strangers. In this land of silence, all was solemn as 
death. And there, on the marble slab that covers the re- 
mains of a young man who died at the age of eighteen, I 
sat down, and meditated upon my own dissolution. I looked 
at my feet, my hands, my body — and must these soon be 
mouldering in the dust % I recoiled not at the prospect ; I 
praised the Lord for his love to me, and for the calm sere- 
nity of soul I possessed. My mind was now led to our 
dear family. While whole families have been desolated, 
ours remains entire. What a mercy that they have been 
spared — and that nine of them are hopefully pious. Here 
my soul cried to God in behalf of all. I knew not but some 
of them might be dead, and the tidings on the way. Would 
I have them mourn at my departure ? Would they keep 
me from home? And should I wish them to stay, were 
it the will of the Master to come and call for them % No, I 
replied — although it would be a great trial to bid them fare- 
well — to see them no more on the earth. 

M I looked at what was before me — the work in which I 
long to be engaged — and prayed for wisdom to direct, and 
grace to help. And now I retire. Come sweet repose — 



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121 



come life — come death — come what will, the will of the 
Lord be done. 

"6th. Sabbath evening. What shall I render to the 
Lord for his goodness this day ? Words fail : 4 'tis unspeak- 
able and full of glory. 7 O the sweet communications of grace 
and love ! He has followed me with his loving-kindness. 
I felt deeply the import of these precious truths : * In whom 
ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gos- 
pel of your salvation ; in whom also, after that ye believed, 
ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise ; which is 
the earnest of our inheritance.' I doubt not I have expe- 
rienced all this. I feel that I have been 1 sealed? The sweet 
■ earnest 1 pervades my inmost soul, and all is heaven there, 
How precious is Jesus ! It is he that charms and comforts 
my heart. I hear men talk of the works of creation — of 
lofty mountains and pleasant vales— of verdant plains— of 
foaming cataracts and gentle rills — the sturdy oak, and the 
forests green — the fragrant flowers, and the standing corn ; 
I hear them talk of fine houses, handsome furniture, grand 
equipage, and royal splendour ; and a thousand other things 
which they seem to admire almost to adoration. But these 
are not my God. The heavens indeed declare the glory of 
God ; the firmament showeth his handy-work ; all nature 
is stamped with Deity. But what are these % One glimpse 
of thee, my dearest Lord, one glimpse of thee, as seen in 
the gospel, outshines them all; and when thou art near, 
my soul rises above all sublunary things. Thou art my 
satisfying portion. To-day have I been on Pisgah's top, 
and seen the promised land. Not long, and I shall rise 
higher. O blessed prospect X' Now I go again to meditate 
among the tombs — I love such a retreat— to look into my 
heart — into the grave — into eternity. * * * How solemn is 
this place ! Death, with his iron grasp, has dragged down 
his hundreds to this field of graves. The young, the old, 
the middle aged, lie promiscuous here ; the rich, the poor, 
the white, the black, all mingle, and know no distinction. 
How many lessons, important lessons are to be learned here. 
Be wise, O my soul ; the day of death comes on apace- 
soon this body must be conveyed to the tomb — art thou 
ready? Thanks to him who is the judge of the quick and 
the dead, with the utmost composure, I can look death in 
the face. I expect no pang ; the sting of death is sin ; this 
the Lord has plucked away. I feel nothing contrary to 
love. My body may be racked with pain, — but what of 
11 



122 



MEMOIR. 



that? my Saviour suffered. But my soul, I have no doubt, 
will be tranquil and unruffled. I can truly say, I am glad 
that I was born to die. Once, part of my grave-clothes 
were prepared for me. The Lord spared me. Alas ! had 
I been taken away then, it had been in my sins, O the good- 
ness — the long-suffering patience of the Lord ! Praise his 
name for ever. 

" Saturday evening, July 1 1th.— About to record the good- 
ness of the Lord to an unworthy sinner, where shall I 
begin ? where end % It is too wonderful for me; I cannot 
attain unto it. # * * The earth is full of the goodness of the 
Lord. But my soul knoweth that he is good, and his mercy 
endureth for ever. It is indescribable. * * I took my usual 
w^alk, and at length reached the oft frequented tree, where I 
sat down and read, and my heart went up to the Lord ; and 
his word was ' spirit and life,' ! quick and powerful,' and 
sweet to my taste. # * # Surely I never had such captiva- 
ting views of the Lord Jesus. He was there in his power 
and love — but language fails me to tell all his manifested 
glories. 

1 "While faith presents the Saviour's death, 

And whispers ' this is thine 
Sweetly my rising hours advance, 

And peacefully decline. v 
While such my views, the radiant sun 

Sheds a more sprightly ray, 
Each object smiles ; all nature charms 

I sing my cares away.' 

" After attending prayer meeting, I betook myself again to 
the land of silence. How many mementos of mortality \ 
They lie thick around. * * # 4 1 am the resurrection and 
the life' was brought to my mind as I entered the grave- 
yard, and leaned over the grave of one who had died in the 
faith, and contemplated the sleeping dust, as it is now, and as 
it will be when the trump of God shall sound. I thought of 
what I shall soon be myself. As I meditated, the Lord drew 
near, and my heart burned with love. There I rene wedly gave 
my all to Him, and as I returned to my ' Bethel,' felt myself 
perfectly happy. Little did I once think I should ever be so 
highly favoured. But for this I sought and pleaded and groan- 
ed for years. Bless the Lord ; he is not slack concerning his 
promises — He came suddenly to this temple — He baptized 
me with the Holy Ghost — to his name be all the glory. 

" 12th, Sabbath. Spoke to the coloured people this P. M. 
* Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God. 1 



MEMOIR. 



123 



How they are degraded and frowned upon by white people! 
My very soul pities their condition, both in this country and 
in Africa. Heard that a murder was committed a short 

distance from L . A man ran a pitchfork through the 

head of another. Alas ! the effects, the awful effects of sin! 
When shall iniquity hide its hideous form ! But why am 
not I the murderer? Distinguishing grace! Lord keep 
my feet that they slide not. And may I never grieve 
thy Holy Spirit, by which I have no doubt, I have been 
sealed to the day of redemption. Blessed hope! Sweet 
expectation! Transporting prospect ! Heavenly assurance! 
Bless the Lord, O my soul ! 

14 July 15th. — It is Jesus constitutes my heaven below. 
What a delightful manifestation of the Saviour I have just 
had. An angel's tongue might tell, but mine utterly fails. 
This is the day of the week on which I was baptized with 
the Holy Ghost, in a manner and measure of which before I 
had no conception. What a blessed reality is religion : O 
how divine! The Lord communicates with the soul as 
clearly, as convincingly, and as feelingly, as man with man, 
face to face. * * * 

" 19th. Since I wrote last, I have not had those lively 
feelings of nearness to God until last evening, when great 
grace rested upon me. I think I never had such humilia- 
ting views of myself, and such a sense of the condescension 
of God. My soul got low at the feet of Jesus, and I bathed 
them with my tears. How sweet ! and how welcome to my 
soul ! It was indeed refreshing, and I could only praise and 
adore my God, and admire the mysterious, wonderful relation 
I sustain to Him as my Father — my Saviour — my Sancti- 
fier. What a debt of gratitude I owe for all the goodness of 
the Lord ! He has taken me up and set me among princes ; 
from being a child of the devil, to be an heir of heaven. 

" In contemplating my latter end, the question arose, what 
inscription would you have on your tomb-stone ? And in 
thought I answered : — 

" * Here lies . A sinner, born again ; — a sinner, 

washed, and justified, and sanctified. A sinner, once an heir 
of hell, a child of the devil, by wicked works ; — but by grace, 
a child of God, and an heir of heaven ;— a miracle of grace, 
deserving all the miseries of the second death ; and yet an 
expectant of endless glory and felicity. FareweH earth; — 
welcome heaven. I am nothing ; — Jesus is all. 7 

" July 23d. — In reviewing the goodness of the Lord to me 
11* 



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MEMOIR. 



during the past month, I think I have experienced clearer 
and more powerful manifestations of his love and sanctifying 
grace, than in any former month of my life. What shall I 
render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards the un- 
worthiest of his creatures. Through fasting, my body is 
weak, though I feel strong in the inner man. May the 
months to come find me more spiritual and heavenly-minded. 
I long for increased conformity to the Lord Jesus. O for 
daily transformation into his likeness, till I shall see him 
as he is, * * * * I know not what a day may bring forth ; 
but more and more am I impressed with the absolute neces- 
sity of a well laid foundation for future usefulness ; and yet 
I have a most earnest desire to be in the field, whence is 
the cry, 1 Come over, and help us. 1 Still the providence of 
God seems clearly and forcibly to utter his voice, 1 Stay,' 
and I willingly submit; — and enter the sophomore, instead 
of the junior class, and to spend another year in hard study 
of the Latin and Greek, that I may be well grounded. How 
different my views from those entertained a year ago. With 
disgust I perused to-day some of my records made about 
that time, and was strongly tempted to destroy them. But 
I still preserve them as mementos of my folly ; yet lessons 
of wisdom have been learned from those very circumstances ; 
lessons invaluable, though bought at a very dear rate. I 
hope they will be turned to good account. * All things 
work together for good, to them that love God.' This I 
believe, and am persuaded those things were for my good ; 
for through them I have seen and known more of myself — 
more of man — more of God. I have since possessed a 
contented mind, which has been a continued feast. My 
feet had well nigh slipped, but the Lord held me up. To 
his worthy name be all the praise. 

" Abraham went out, not knowing whither he went. I 
know nothing of my future destiny. I see, should my life 
be extended, six years of preparation before me. I feel 
much interest both in the Palestine and Burman missions. 
But, speak, Lord, thy servant heareth. If there be a spot 
on earth where thou wilt render me a co-worker with thyself, 
I consult not my own will. Nay, if thou hast nothing for 
me to do, I would stand still, and see the salvation of God. 
I am not my own — I am the bought property of the great 
Head of the church. Go or stay — live or die — Amen. 

" August 10th. — Last evening's hour of devotion was 
spent on the bed, to gain relief for the suffering body. It 



MEMOIR. 



125 



was a seasonable and 1 light affliction. 7 It showed me my 
frailty, — my insufficiency, — my dependence on the Lord for 
every mercy. How important is health for usefulness. 
Hence the necessity of great watchfulness and care, to 
guard against disease, particularly in the minister, and 
candidate for the holy office. Alas ! how many young men 
throw away their after life, during their preparatory course. 
May I be guided wisely, having — 1st. devotion; 2d. exer- 
cise ; 3d. study ; as my principal daily objects, with an eye 
single to the glory of God. 

" August 21st. — This evening I had a blessed season, in 
waiting upon the Lord. My spiritual strength was renewed. 
I had a refreshing view of Jesus. O how much better than 
the pleasures pursued by the world ! There is a ball in 
the neighbourhood this evening. Once I loved such scenes; 
but then I was a child of sin. The Lord be praised for 
turning my mind from folly at so early a period. Was it 
that I might do something in his cause before I die ? I trust 
he is training me for usefulness, i" know not ; — but He will 
make it plain. Lord, make me holy. Help me to exercise 
myself unto godliness, and to strive in all things to approve 
myself unto thee." 

In all Mr. Taylor's papers, whether journals, notes, or 
letters, we find the same spirit of piety and Christian bene- 
volence. The same ardent desire that others should enjoy 
the sweet communications of divine grace with which his 
own soul was enriched. And while he laboured and prayed 
for his own growth in grace, he was ever ready to use all 
the means within his reach, to awaken the careless, to bring 
sinners to repentance, and to urge on the Christian in his 
race. Among the numerous letters from which our selec- 
tions and extracts are taken, there is not one which does not 
breathe the spirit of love to Christ and to the saints. 

: To Miss H , he wrote from Lawrenceville, August, 

1823. 

" Since I had the opportunity of inquiring, as I was wont 
to do, into your spiritual condition, you, doubtless, have had 
many a conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil. 
But what are these 1 They are, indeed, enemies of our 
souls ; but he who is 1 made of God unto us wisdom, right- 
eousness, sanctification, and redemption,' will give us the 
victory. Whatever our conflicts or trials, afflictions or dis- 
II* 



126 



MEMOIR. 



appointments, in this vale of tears, let us receive them as 
included in the legacy of our Lord : 1 In the world ye shall 
have tribulation ; but be of good cheer, I have overcome 
the world.' 

11 On how many places have we inscribed, 1 Hitherto hath 
the Lord helped us!' Then let us believe that 'the Lord 
will provide.' I am a witness that the Lord will provide — 
* The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.' — * We are of 
more value than many sparrows.' Will not the Lord take 
care of his children ? The cattle upon a thousand hills are 
his— the earth too, with all its fulness. — He hath stores of 
blessings to supply not only our temporal but our spiritual 
necessities, and will he not do it? Yes, there is in our 
Father's house bread enough and to spare. Even here on 
earth, we may feed on angels' food ; and how delicious ! I 
trust you have been richly fed at the table of our Lord from 
day to day. The time was when we were strangers — entire 
strangers to this sweet repast, because we knew not the grace 
of God — but to me, though unworthy of the crumbs that fall 
from my Master's table, the Lord has granted gospel mea- 
sure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over; 
great grace has been upon me. — The windows of heaven 
have been opened, and showers have come down and more 
than rilled my soul. The Lord has indeed done great things 
for me, whereof I am glad. I have no language to describe 
the heaven of love towards God and man which I have 
enjoyed during the last fifteen months. Of this I do not 
boast, for the Lord hath in condescension and love infinite, 
bestowed it upon a worm, the unworthiest of creation ; and 
to him be all the glory. 

" Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit that 
you are a child of God ? This is the privilege of every soul 
that has been born of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is, 
love, joy, peace, &c. Where these abound, there the witness 
of the Spirit is enjoyed. Then it is that the soul, with child- 
like simplicity, and with filial confidence and affection, ap- 
proaches God, and cries — Father — Abba — Father ; then it 
is that death loses its terrors — the grave its gloom— the bar 
of God its dreadful aspect — and hell its horrors — rather the 
horrors of hell are deepened, but the fear of -them is gone. 
The soul, with this experience, is conscious of reconciliation 
with God its Father — Jesus smiles — the Comforter is pre- 
sent — and heaven is desired as the home of the saint. 

"To enjoy all this should be our constant aim ; for Jesus, 



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127 



dying, purchased it for us, and living, he is ready to bestow 
it all upon us. The Lord make room in our hearts, for the 
full reception of himself, with all his train of graces, and 
finally give us an abundant entrance into his kingdom to 
enjoy him for ever. 

" Should you deem this worthy of a reply, be assured it 
would gratify me to hear of your affairs. 

" Farewell — yours in Christian bonds, 

"Jas. B. Taylor." 

To return to those evidences of Christian character afford- 
ed so abundantly in Mr. T.'s Journal, we transcribe the 
record of his exercises, bearing date Sept. 10th, in which he 
appears, as might have been believed without this direct evi- 
dence, to have had a conscience remarkably tender, and much 
alive to every ihing that bore even the appearance of evil. 

" How various are the assaults of Satan ! Last night I 
had a dream, in which a temptation was presented to my 
mind, and I was overcome. This morning I felt shorn of my 
spiritual strength, which I attributed to that circumstance. 
Perhaps this was a chastisement for an unguarded expres- 
sion which I uttered to a gentleman who came in during 
my hour of devotion — and seeing me engaged with a book 
proposed to retire, saying, He would not interrupt me ; to 
whom I replied, ' No interruption.' This was intended only 
as a civility ; but my conscience smote me ; for he was inter- 
rupting the sweet exercise in which I was engaged. I looked 
to the Lord for pardon, and afterwards enjoyed a blessed sea- 
son of communion. 

" Sept. 1 4. — I found on coming home this evening a note 
from Mrs. M. S., telling me of her deliverance from distress, 
and her joy in the Lord. She says, 4 My friend, I hope to 
hail you in heaven, as the instrument in God's hand, of 
bringing me to the feet of Jesus.' 

" 15th. This day brings to mind the time when I publicly 
declared myself the Lord's servant — seven years have passed 
since I professed religion — O how much ! — What great and 
glorious things the Lord has done for me since that time — 
and still I experience his goodness. 

" 16th. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteous- 
ness, sake. I have had a small share of that blessedness to 
day j and I rejoice in it, because it arose from doing my 
duty in conversing with sinners with plainness, which is 



128 



MEMOIR. 



never acceptable to a proud heart — and from giving testi- 
mony of the love of God in my soul, to lukewarm professors, 
# * * and urging the necessity of a deep work of grace in 
the heart, and of the continual witness of the Spirit. 

" Did David say, 1 Come and hear all ye that fear God, 
and I will tell what he hath done for my soul V And may 
not Christians, now tell of the goodness of the Lord to them? 
Did Paul say, 1 We know that if the earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a 
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens V And 
may not the heart that enjoys the same assurance, express it 
in the same language, even though professors of religion 
brand the assertion as an evidence of self-righteousness ? 

" Lord, never let the fear of man ensnare me ; and may I 
ever be a bold witness for Jesus, and for the attainment of 
that perfect love which casteth out fear. 

" 18th Sept. — Another death in the neighbourhood ! How 
frequent and how swift the shafts of the destroyer amongst 
us ! Whose time comes next? Lord is it I ? After attend- 
ing a funeral, at which I stood up between the living and the 
dead, and spoke to the people, from, 4 the time is short, 7 I 
took my accustomed walk, with a heart full of gratitude to 
the Lord for my sweet and cheerful hopes. I thought this 
might be my last walk along that oft-frequented path, as my 
time at Lawrenceville is coming to a close. — What a delight- 
ful retreat this has been to me ! But this evening I agonized 
in spirit as I had never done before, in prayer for this peo- 
ple. While thus engaged, I unexpectedly met , and 

with streaming eyes addressed him. He wept — the Lord 
bless his soul with conversion! As I left him, I wrestled in 
prayer for him, and for our neighbours. My soul was 
pressed down with the weight of anxiety : I felt for their 
eternal interest. When arrived at the memorable tree, I fell 
before the Lord, to vent my sorrows there. O the longing 
I had for this people ! All I asked was, for Christ 7 s sake, 
that salvation might come to them. While thus wrestling 
and weeping before my heavenly Father, an aged man drew 
near. I espied him, but did not rise from my knees, and as 
he came near, I spoke to him, and testified of the love of 
Jesus. I found he had no religion. I spoke to him plainly 
and with a full heart. He soon began to weep, and wished 
me to pray with him and for him. I did with earnestness 
and with tears, and then exhorted him to repent and to come 
to Christ now. He left me with apparent concern. Lord 



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129 



save his soul, and let it not be in vain that he came hither. 
He said, he thought the Lord had sent him. 

" I returned home rejoicing in the Lord, and happy in his 
love. 

"Sab. 21st Sept. — How pleasantly this morning dawn a 
upon me, a sinner saved by grace. 

" I betook myself to the mercy-seat, and held sweet com- 
munion with heaven. Had a spirit of prayer for the peopie 

of L j but more particularly for my dear friend L. 

P. — Rivers of waters ran down my eyes, while I forgot my 
self, and interceded for him. Is this all for nought ? Is thi* 
agonizing spirit given in vain % I expect — I wait for the 
answer, while I hope for his conversion. How long, O Lord, 
how long % Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 

" This has been a high day to my soul. The Lord was 
with me in his temple, and filled me with his love. It is 
my last attendance upon divine worship, statedly, in this vil- 
lage, and I think it has been the best. Dr. N. preached on 
the text, 'Ye were as sheep going astray, but are now 
returned to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.' The 
word was spirit and life ; and I received the truth in the 
love of it, while it melted my heart into love to Jesus, who 
had, as the good shepherd, searched me out, and reclaimed 
me from my wanderings. How often has he led me into green 
pastures, and made me lie down beside the still waters ! 

" I went this morning to visit a sick person — and now it is 
a matter of astonishment that I am recording the loving- 
kindness of the Lord and celebrating his praises on the earth 
— surely nothing but the providence of God has preserved 
me." 

[Mr. Taylor refers in this, to his having been twice 
thrown by a wild ungovernable horse, on which he was 
making the above mentioned visit.] 

" I experienced but little inconvenience from my falls, 
though I had a very narrow escape. There seems to have 
been but a step between me and death : but I thank God for 
these occurrences ; for they have been already sanctified to 
my spiritual good. The good shepherd made it the occasion 
of rich and bounteous provision since my return. I was not 
frightened, but my soul was full of praise at the time, and 
since I have had a precious season, interceding before the 
Lord, for myself and my friend L. P. — This friend has been 



130 



MEMOIR. 



much on my heart to-day. Can it be for nothing ? Lord, 
save, or he will perish — and bless his household. 

" Sept. 22d. — I was examined in the morning, and in the 
evening delivered an oration on science, with the valedictory 
address. Thus ended my academical course, during which 
I have had a diversified experience. May the Lord, by his 
good providence, direct me in my future goings, and lead me 
on to final victory and heavenly glory." 

Mr. Taylor now left Lawrenceville on a visit to his friends 
in New York and Connecticut, previous to his entering 
college at Princeton. 

During this visit, we find him the same engaged, actively 
benevolent, and devoted Christian ; endeavouring to let his 
light shine, both among Christians and before the world ; 
telling them what the Lord had done for him, and what he 
required of them. Both publicly, and from house to house, 
he was employed in commending his Master, in labouring 
to induce Christians to strive for higher attainments in holy 
love and devotedness to his cause ; and in warning and ex- 
horting sinners to repent without delay, and submit them- 
selves to Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour. 

Mr. Taylor seemed, even then, to have very clear views 
of a subject, which to many Christians, and Christian mi- 
nisters, appears to be still enveloped in darkness, viz. : the 
duty of sinners immediately to repent and give their hearts 
to Christ. While no one could have had a stronger faith in 
the doctrines of grace, and of man's entire dependence upon 
God ; nor have been more ready and delighted to ascribe 
every thing to God, both in providence and in grace, yet his 
mind took a strong grasp upon the binding force of obli- 
gation ; for his heart felt it, and he pressed duty upon both 
saints and sinners, with a success which proved that God 
was with him, blessing his labours : which has been acknow- 
ledged by many in life, and will doubtless be gratefully 
owned by them in heaven for ever. 

There is reason to believe that during this vacation, Mr. 
Taylor was made the instrument of exciting a more vigor- 
ous tone of piety in several churches, and of bringing a num- 
ber of sinners to repentance. 

At length the time arrived for his return to stud}' j and, 
to use his own language, — 

" Having spent a week in the house of my Rev. father Hotch- 



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131 



kiss, and in the bosom of his endeared family, and in labouring 
in the Lord's vineyard, the wind came fair, and I embarked on 

board the S , Capt. Whittlesey, anticipating a pleasant 

passage : I have no doubt of its having been a profitable one ; 
for it was trying to the faith of God's children, and alarming 
to the wicked. Our company consisted of the captain, two 
hands, four passengers, two children, and myself. We had 
proceeded about twenty miles, when the wind increased and 
blew violently. In the midst of the gale, our boom un- 
shipped, and left us in a perilous condition — the prospect was 
that we should capsize, and be swallowed up in the waves. 
All above was terrific. The billows dashed, the sea roared, 
the winds howled, and the hail rattled. All below was so- 
lemn. We thought on awful subjects — death — a watery 
grave— the bar of God — heaven — hell. The captain, I be- 
lieve to be a godly man : one more on board beside my- 
self had a hope which was an anchor to the soul : the rest 
were unreconciled to God : Alas ! their prospect was des- 
pair. I thought, indeed, that I was nearer my heavenly home 
than my father's house. It seemed that there was but a 
Step betwixt me and death. But, in the midst of the 
alarm, God was with me to allay all turbulence within. I 
looked to him for a promise, and he graciously gave me 
this, ' Fear not, I am with thee.' It was sweet to my taste, 
and made me strong, while I lay in my berth revolving it in 
my mind, and calmly waiting the issue; not knowing but 
the next surge would enter and fill the cabin, and end my 
life. 

" A young lady, one of those that experienced religion at 
Saybrook, while I was there, was quite composed : but an- 
other — O, how different ! O, her apparent penitence ! her 
cries for mercy! her weeping eyes ! in the prospect of death 
and damnation. To me she came for help ; but not to my- 
self — to Christ I directed her. Alas ! the infatuation of mor- 
tals, to put off preparation for eternity till the- hour of dan- 
ger. But thanks to the Lord for deliverance. — His arm was 
stretched out for our relief — We were soon moored, and 
rode out the gale in safety. 

" I found my friends exceedingly kind, both at home and 
in New York. The Lord reward my parents and brothers 
and sisters, for all their kindness to their son and brother. 
I doubt not, that in this life, they will have a hundred fold ; 
and at the resurrection of the just, be acknowledged as 
helpers of the helpless." 
12 



132 



MEMOIR. 



LIFE IN COLLEGE. 

On the 6th of November, 1823, in the 22d year of his 
age, Mr. Taylor was examined and admitted a member 
of the Sophomore class, in the college of Nassau Hall, where 
he remained three years. 

When the end designed to be accomplished by this me- 
moir is remembered, this will probably appear to be the 
most important period of Mr. Taylor's life. 

It can hardly have escaped the observation of those who 
are interested in the spiritual prosperity of the church, that 
there is in our literary institutions, arising from the charac- 
ter of the studies, and from almost necessary associations, 
what may be called the college spirit — the esprit du corps, 
which is very unfavourable to the attainment of a high- 
toned piety. Indeed, such is its contagion, that however 
pious and devoted our candidates for the ministry may be, 
at their commencing a college life, the instances are very 
rare, in which a disinfecting process is not necessary to 
prepare them for entering upon the duties of the sacred of- 
fice. To this cause must be attributed much of that want 
of spirituality, which has been the bane of the church through 
all her eventful history ; and to find an effectual safeguard 
against the legion of evils arising from this source, has long 
been an object of intense desire with those who are wisely 
zealous for her true and holy interests. 

On this important subject, the life of Mr. Taylor sheds a 
cheering light, which shows that it is altogether practicable 
to pass through those trying scenes, not only without losing 
one's spirituality, but with large accessions to his stores of 
self-knowledge, and of holy devotedness to God and to the 
interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

None indeed, may hope to encounter the trials of such a 
life, without many a hard conflict ; but the example before us 
will show that these trials may be sustained with advantage, 
and that in the issue, victory will crown the arms of grace. 

Perhaps more than most Christians of his age, Mr. Tay- 
lor had his eye directed to the leadings of Providence, and 
more uniformly saw the hand of God in every thing that 
occurred. With this habit of soul, it was natural for him to 
seek, and rely upon the divine direction and support. 

Having entered college, he writes in his journal, 6th 
November : 



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133 



" For what purpose have I come hither ? Lord, make plain 
the path of duty, and give me grace to be faithful. 

" 8th. Have been somewhat depressed in spirits for two 
days past, owing to a combination of circumstances ; but 
this morning I was enabled to cast my burden upon the 
Lord, and he sustained me. My soul enjoyed a refreshing 
season. Thus I find that these walls do not shut out my 
God. How blessed I am ! 

" 9th. Sabbath. Found it good to wait on the Lord in 
secret. The heavens were opened, and a blessing poured 
out upon my soul. 

" Religion can be enjoyed in college. Lord, amidst so 
much iniquity, keep me spotless, and make me useful. 

" 16th. The past week has been one of mercy and good- 
ness from the hand of the Lord. Beside a token of affec- 
tionate regard from my friend L. P., I received one from 
my brother K. These favours warmed my heart with 
praise to God and gratitude to them. 

" I have enjoyed nearness of access to God in secret, and 
had a spirit of intercession for others as well as myself. 
With tenderness and anxiety I have thought on friends, and 
on this college; and have been blessed with a spirit of 
prayer for them. O, that the Lord would come, in mighty 
power, and demolish the kingdom of Satan, and build up 
his cause. The Redeemer's kingdom prospers at the east- 
ward, and souls are brought in by scores — Lord send la- 
bourers into the harvest, and work by whom thou wilt work, 
only let souls come home to Jesus. 

"23d Nov. # * Lord, what am I, or what my father's house, 
that thou shouldst visit me % The Lord is good, and his 
mercy endureth for ever. This day and this hour have I 
enjoyed the spirit of adoption sweetly drawing my inmost 
soul with cords of love. How condescending and how kind 
to me an unworthy worm. He manifests himself, as my Fa- 
ther in covenant. The precious Lamb of God shows him- 
self to my faith as a full Saviour, and reigns in my heart, 
king supreme. The Holy Spirit comes down as showers 
that water the earth. Praise to my God, for the holy unc- 
tion with which I have this day been anointed. * # * The 
beauties of my beloved Saviour have captivated my heart, # * 
and yet my cry is 4 more, — my Lord, more faith which works 
by love.' 

" When thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face ; 
that thou appear not unto men to fast ; but to thy Father 



134 



MEMOIR. 



which is in secret ; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, 
shall reward thee openly. Already have I been rewarded. 
In the very act, has my soul been abundantly blessed, and 
thus have I found it profitable to fast before the Lord this 
day. The blessing which he gave me nineteen months 
ago, he has enabled me to call to mind with thankful re- 
membrance ; — may he still make my habitation, a dwelling 
of righteousness, of peace, joy, and holy triumph. 

" I feel the want of a kindred spirit. * * * Where is the 
spirituality of the church? Where are the men and women, 

* full of tilth and of the Holy Ghost.' Lord, purify thy 
church. Had an interview with one dear child of God, 
whose soul appeared warm with love, and decided for God : 
w T ith him I anticipate much sweet intercourse. 

" November 30th. — Let the warrior boast of his armour, 
and the victor of his conquest ; let the scribe glory in his 
knowledge, and the sophist in his wisdom, and the worldling 
in his wealth and pleasures. But God forbid that I should 
glory, save in the crosjs of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which 
I am crucified to the world, and the World unto me. 

" Thil has been a harvest day to my soul. The Sun of 
righteousness arose, and I basked in his beams, whose fruc- 
tifying influence brought forth the good fruit, love. Indeed 
it is heaven upon earth. God blesses me from day to day. 
During the past week my meat and drink have been sweet 
antepasts of heaven — longing to see Jesus, and reign with 
him above. 

" Wrote to my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. D . May 

my communication be a word in season to that dear family." 

In this letter to Mr. and Mrs. D , Mr. Taylor supposes 

them to ask him, " How do you like college life % Can you 
enjoy religion there ?" And then answers : " I am happy to 
reply that I am pleased with residing in this institution, for 
several reasons. The chief of which is, because I believe it 
to be my duty to be here. The advantages for the acquisition 
of knowledge are every way sufficient; such as proper books 
and qualified teachers, and a complete system of operations. 
This regularity of procedure suits me well, and I endeavour 

* to have a place for every thing, and every thing in its place. 1 
To enjoy religion, as you know, is to have a sense of par- 
doned sin, and the presence of God reconciled through 
Christ. This can only be felt, where 1 faith, that worketh 
by love,' is in exercise. Where this faith is in exercise, no 



MEMOIR. 



135 



College wails, no sink of iniquity, can shut out the Lord. 
* 'Tis his presence makes our paradise below j' and his pre- 
sence I have felt from day to day. Glorious have been the 
manifestations of his love to my believing, rejoicing heart. 
In this Bethel I have experienced many such seasons, and 
am looking for many more. They are the sweet earnests of 
a blessed immortality — Lord, evermore give us this bread. 

"But a word to Miss S . Was my parting word, ' Be 

faithful ?' I trust you are so, giving diligence to make your 
calling and election sure. And we should, in imitation of 
our beloved Master, Do good to all Why are we not more 
ingenious in discovering and disseminating means of ' doing 
good. 1 This is a day, if I may call it so, of invention. Can- 
not you invent something for the good of the church ? Think 
and pray over this suggestion until you are satisfied. 

" A word to S — — . ' Son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Feed 
my sheep.' How mighty this question ! And the office of 
feeding the flock of Jesus Christ, how delightful ! By your 
intended profession you will not be deprived of this privi- 
lege. May you prove to be a beloved physician. But can 
you say, * Lord, thou knowest that I love thee V 

« To W — — . * Where art thou V Rejoicing in hope, 
and giving glory to God ? Let us not be willing to spend 
one day without becoming more like Christ ; for it is confor- 
mity to him that will make us holy, and that alone. 
. " A word to Miss . What of that doubting and fear- 
ing? Are all lost in the sweet testimony that you please God? 
Cast all your burdens upon the Lord — and may you, like 
Mary, sit at the feet of Jesus — hang around his cross — make 
him your all — all your salvation and all your desire. 

" To Miss . Our Saviour said, I am the good shep- 
herd. Do you hear his voice, and follow him daily? As 
a lamb of the flock, may the good shepherd carry you in 
his bosom. Let us lean upon him — commit our all into 
his hands, and thus lie at his disposal. 

" To Miss ■.. ' One shall be taken, and another left.' 

Is it true, that father and mother — brothers and sisters, 
have been taken ? and you — you left ? left for what ? Ask 
yourself this question for days to come — days to come? 
Who can tell, but ere to-morrow's sun, you may have left the 
earth, and the soul gone — -Where ? 

" Finally, a word to all. Exercise yourselves unto god- 
liness, in constant watchfulness and prayer and frequent 
fasting. Let the Bible be your companion— give yourselves 



136 



MEMOIR. 



to reading and meditation. Use it as a test to try every 
thought, word, and action. Let us do good to all. In a word, 
walk humbly, penitently, and in faith : so that we die daily. 
Advance heavenward, and be blessed continually, and be 
happy for ever. 

" With increased affection for you all, 
" I am, in the best of bonds, yours, 

" James B. Taylor." 

" December 7th. — Another week has gone, and gone for 
ever. While passing, the inscriptions, goodness and mercy, 
have been legible on every day. My enjoyment has not 
been so great as during the two weeks preceding. And the 
reason is obvious- — I wandered from the Lord ; and bitter- 
ness of soul took the place of sweet love — but the Lord 
heard my prayer, and again visited me with his grace. His 
mercy endureth for ever. Last night also witnessed my 
yielding to the same temptation, which brought leanness and 
sadness unto my soul. With what depression did I arise this 
Sabbath morning ! The Sabbath's Lord was absent — the 
Spirit grieved, had left me, until I went into the chapel — I 
prayed, and read, and sung, but my heart was gone. Still 
I had faith, and a fixed purpose to wait on the Lord. I was 
solemn. I felt that the glory had departed. While the chap- 
ter was reading, my heart began to melt into penitential 
grief — I felt myself deserving the lowest, lowest helL I also 
felt that if I were sent to hell, I could but praise God for 
what he had done for me. At this juncture peace and 
consolation flowed into my soul, and I could praise the 
Lord. Blessed be his name for ever." 

Of the same date of the above entry in Mr. Taylor's diary 

we find a letter to his friend, Miss W , from which we 

make the following extract : 

**#**« £j e> w k ggj^ ' If I go away, I will 
come again unto you/ visits my soul with his love, and 
makes me happy here ; and does he not add, ' to receive you 
unto myself. 7 * * * I have had a heaven upon earth, even 
in this college — and you do not think it strange, for you 
know that where the Prince of peace reigns, there is peace. 

" But what think you of those professors of religion, who, 
when you tell them of all this, and assure them upon the 
authority of God's word that they may have the desire of 



MEMOIR. 



their hearts; reply, that they wish they could enjoy more of 
God's presence, but they are subject to so many temptations, 
and have to encounter so many difficulties, they hardly know 
what they are ? Is not their state dangerous ? And do not 
all their hungering and thirsting after righteousness end in 
a mere wish 1 What saith the Psalmist % \ Delight thyself in 
the Lord ; and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart.' 
Who that delights in a conformity to an ungodly world, its 
fashions, its vain show — who of all that follow the devices and 
desires of an unrenewed heart — can look for such favours 
from the Lord % They and they alone who make God their 
only portion, and delight themselves in the Lord as their 
chief joy, can live in peace — can hope to die in triumph, and 
reign with the Lamb for ever. 

" Let us give to those, dead in trespasses and sins, all their 
sinful enjoyments — let formal professors plead their excuses ; 
but let them know at the same time, that they will have to 
settle them at the bar of their just Judge. Let others glory 
in what they will ; but be it ours to glory only in the cross 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise for ever." 

Diary, 23d Dec. — " Fasted this day, and had a thankful 
remembrance of that season of divine communication so often 
referred to, which I enjoyed twenty months ago. I believe the 
work of grace has been deepened since that joyful hour ; the 
experience of to-day assures me that I have sunk low in my 
own esteem, and that it is by grace that I am in the way to 
glory. At evening devotion, could not find words to express 
the fulness of my heart; but I could say, * Lord, thou knowest 
that I love thee.' What precious hours I have spent thus far 
since I have been in college. The good shepherd has fed me 
in his richest pastures ; and here, my Lord, I give my little all 
to thee : still enlarge the vessel, and bless me abundantly.' 5 

Of this date we have a precious letter from Mr. T. to his 
venerable friend, the Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss, of Saybrook, from 
which, we present the reader with the following copious 
extracts : 

"Nassau-Hall, 23c2 Dec. 1823, Saturday evening. 
" Rev. and beloved Sir, 

M Another week is gone, and I rejoice, in as much as I have 
one week less to remain this side of heaven. Yes ! I give 
praise to our God that I was born to die — to die? to live 
for ever. The thought is sweet : * O the pain' — stay, for 
12 # 



138 



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where is the 'pain to the dying saint? The sting of death is 
sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But for the believer, 
Christ hath magnified the law and made it honourable, and 
thus hath purchased pardon, reconciliation, and sanctification, 
which being possessed, sets the soul at liberty and makes it 
free indeed. To me it seems that for a child of God to die, 
is but going from one room to another. His body, it is true, 
may be exercised with exquisite pain, but the spirit will rest, 
and calmly commit all into the hands of God, and there lie 
at his disposal. And when the important crisis arrives, how 
sweetly does the soul lean upon the breast of its beloved, and 
repose in his kind arms, while it breathes itself away from 
the clay tenement to become a fixed resident in glory. 1 O 
the bliss of dying.' * This moment for heaven I'd leave all 
below.' 

" The reason why so many, who live in the enjoyment 
of lively hope, fearfully apprehend the approach of death, I 
think, is to be found in the notions they have formed of his 
appearance. But what is death ? Is it to be supposed that 
he is a frightful form, hideous, and terrible % Is it not rather 
the gracious appearance of Emmanuel, — God with us?. 
What does he say ? ' If I go away, I will come again unto 
you and receive you unto myself ; that where I am, there ye 
may be also.' When we die, we do not expect to see death 
set forth as in hieroglyphical form — no — but as Stephen 
beheld, to the joy of his soul. We expect to see Jesus, who 
no doubt presents his kind hand, and first welcomes his ran- 
somed ones to his own kingdom. What then should we do 
- — What could we do without Jesus ? Take him from our 
pilgrimage below, and our manna would fail — take him 
from the Jordan of death, its waves would overwhelm us, 
and our frightened souls would sink in endless despair — 
take' him from heaven, and heaven would be annihilated 
for ever. Truly, he is all and in all; 'the desire of all 
nations.' 

" This evening my mind has been led to look to Jesus as 
the apostle says, ' Looking unto Jesus.' I was thus led, 
more particularly, because to-morrow is to be our commu- 
nion season. 

" ' Looking unto Jesus' — May my dear friend find it pro- 
fitable to follow me in my meditations. Before the world 
was, he dwelt with the Father. And, O what glory and 
delight he must have had from all eternity ! We may look 
unto him as God, by whom the worlds were made. But 



MEMOIR. 



139 



had he need of worlds ? What do they add to his infinite, 
underived, eternal glory 7 For whom, but for man, was this 
fair fabric formed, and lighted up, and adorned so richly ? 
* * * * Upon God's equal we may gaze with wonder, and 
adore his condescension! O what pity touched his sym- 
pathizing soul \ What the might of that love which brought 
him down ! Well might the plains of Bethlehem resound 
with glory to Gt)d in the highest ; peace on earth, and good 
will to men. And well may we join the heavenly host in 
praising God ; for unto us a Saviour was born, who is Christ 
the Lord. 

* O for this love, let rocks and hills 
Their lasting silence break. 5 

" Let us look to Jesus during his state of humiliation ; 
for from the manger to the cross he was preparing the way 
to bring many sons unto glory. — Oh \ the contradictions he 
met from sinners! What temptations in the wilderness! 
i» What agony in the garden ! But the wonders of the cross ! 
It is here our hopes centre. For the hope which the cross 
inspired, the primitive Christians were ready to sutler ; nay. 
did suffer and die. However opposed, they preached its doc- 
trines, and said, God forbid that we should glory, save in the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. * * * * 

" Extending our view beyond the cross, we may profita- 
bly look upon him whom we have pierced, as rising from 
the dead. 1 He rose again for our justification.' What joy 
his disciples felt when their eyes once more beheld their 
Lord, whom the Jews had crucified and slain ! But he was 
soon to leave them, and triumphantly ascend up where he 
was before. 

" Thither our forerunner hath entered — our captain has 
4ed the way ; and now we may look unto him at the right 
hand of the Majesty on high. By faith too, we may look at 
the mansions he hath prepared. But what is faith's vision 7 
It is indeed a blessed reality. 1 It is the substance of things 
hoped for ; and the evidence of things not seen.' But we 
want more : and more we shall have. Not through a glass 
darkly, shall we see him, but face to face — see him as he is. 
Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to 
give you the kingdom. 

" Do we want stronger faith ? To Jesus must we look, 
who is the author and finisher of faith ; and pray, as by exam- 
ple we are taught, ' Lord, increase our faith.' Would we 



140 



MEMOIR. 



be what God would have us to be ? what do we need but to 
be conformed to the image of his dear Son ? And how shall 
this be effected, but by looking continually unto Jesus ? Are 
we ignorant % He is our Prophet. Are we sinners ? He 
is present to plead our cause — a priest whom the Father 
heareth always, and whose blood cleanseth from all sin. 
Would we have all things brought into complete subjection 
to his law? As king, he is on the holy hill of Zion. — 
Where is such an example of patience under suffering ? and 
he knows how to succour them that are tempted. In doing 
the will of his heavenly Father, how assiduously and perse- 
veringly did he accomplish his work ! What we find to do, 
may we do it with our might ! 

" The more steadily we look to Jesus, the faster we shall 
run, the hig;her will be our attainments, the happier we 
shall be, and the more we shall honour God. 

" But when will our race be ended ? My reverend father, 
do not you feel that your course is almost finished ? Min- 
gled emotions arise at this interrogation. Looking for- 
ward, you behold the' crown of righteousness. 1 Surveying 
your dear family, you ask, shall I soon be called to give the 
parting hand to those whom I love % Let the cheering 
thought come in ; it is but for a season ; for when called 
away to the heights of Zion above, how delightfully will you 
anticipate the arrival of those with whom you have lived and 
laboured. May we who may remain, be ripening to meet 
him whom we love on the banks of the river of life. I 
hope there to unite with my aged friend in singing — but 
what ? We shall know more of these things in that blessed 
world of joy. And even here, they are better felt and dis- 
cerned by the heavenly minded, than can be described by 
words, or represented by figures. Even the scriptures seem 
to fail for expression, in setting forth the joys of the blessed. 
But the glory is to be revealed. 

" Besides your own household, you hope to meet many a 
departed saint who once sat under your ministry, and was 
brought to God through your instrumentality. If any thing 
could cause us to sing * Hosannah to the Son of David/ 
next to our own salvation, it must be that God hath honoured 
us, in bringing souls to Christ. Glory to God in the high- 
est, may be the united acclamation of pastor and people. 
Pray that I may never be satisfied with bread alone — that is, 
to labour for a living, but that I may have souls for my hire. 

" Dear Mrs. H , may I not say to you as Elizabeth 



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141 



said to Mary, 'Blessed art thou among women.' Surely 
the Lord hath heard your supplications, and your offspring* 
have been born again ; if so, what more could the Lord 
have done to his little vineyard than he hath done ? May 
your nursery of piety still receive the early and later rain, be 
continually visited by the heavenly Gardener, and when trans- 
planted, I doubt not he will range you all among his trees 
of righteousness to flourish for ever in his courts. * * * * 
"By this time you are perhaps ready to ask, 'how do 
you like college life ? Can you enjoy religion there V 
Not unto me, but to God be the praise ; these walls cannot 
shut out the Lord ; and where he is, there is heaven. I do 
not find the obstacles I anticipated. The Lord has proved 
better than all my fears, and has given me ' daily bread.* I 
have fed on angels' food — my room has been made a Bethel, 
and I find it is growing better and better, instead of diminish- 
ing, my cup overflows — I am on my journey to heaven, with 
the desire to love God more, and serve him better. # * * 
! O let us keep near the cross, and be diligent to make our 
calling and election sure." 

We close our notices of the year 1823, with one or two 
extracts from Mr. Taylor's diary, from which it appears 
that he ended as he began the year, with God — in a high 
state of spirituality, and with an unremitting attention to the 
duties of religion. 

" 25th December. — Last evening I walked to Lawrence- 
ville, * * * * and once more hailed my dear brothers 
F — and S and friends, who received me cor- 
dially. 

" This morning I arose with much pain in my breast — 
but the light affliction was sanctified. After breakfast I took 
my old walk, and remembered the days of former times — I 
stopped and overlooked the surrounding scenery — but I 
was on my way to that oft frequented tree. David said, ' I 
will remember thee from the hill Mizar? What occasion 
have I to remember the Lord from that tree. Although the 
morning was cold, the Lord warmed my heart as I knelt 
and prayed, on that spot from which many a prayer had as- 
cended to the throne of grace. 

" It was truly a melting time — O what tenderness ! What 
resignation ! And I returned, after my heart had enjoyed 
the season, blessing and praising God. 



142 



MEMOIR. 



" During the day my mind was solemn ; and on my way 
tome, as I mused, the ike burned. In the high way, Jesus 
was exceedingly precious. # * # # * It is God — 
the triune — the holy God, that captivates my heart— and to 
be conformed to the image of his dear Son is my supreme 
desire. Lord, make me more holy. 

" This has been a good Christmas-day to me. The birth 
of the Saviour has occurred to my mind in all its circum- 
stances, with pleasing reflections. But now he reigns on 
high, the Judge of all. What a mysterious, yet consistent 
whole ! And all to make his people blessed for ever. 

"28th, Sabbath. — This is the last Lord's day of the year, 
and it may be numbered among the best; for surely the 
kingdom of heaven, which is righteousness, peace, and joy 
in the Holy Ghost, has been set up powerfully in my soul. 
Much of heaven has come down to earth. * " * The powers 
of darkness have given way, while the king has been seated 
on his throne within me. I think I never had such a lov- 
ing child-like spirit, in pouring out my heart before God, 
my Father, as I had this evening. It was, surely, his adopt- 
ing love, into which / sunk How it overpowered me ! my 
body shook with the delightful emotion. At noon also, 
after walking with a heart pouring out praise to my God — 
my God in covenant — I sat down and meditated upon his 
works — all of which uttered their voice in praise of their 
Creator : my heart was broken, and caused my tears to flow. 
The remembrance of my youthful follies impressively re- 
curred, as I beheld groups of lads who had been wander- 
ing over the fields. The distinguishing grace of God, too, 
was manifest, for as I sat, I saw two of my fellow-students 
violating this sacred day by secular employment — preparing 
recitations probably for to-morrow. Hallow my Sabbaths 
is Heaven's high command. 

" 3 1st December, 1823. — On Sabbath night I retired 
much exercised with pain of body, but with a solid peace of 
mind. 

" I did not rest well through the night, and arose in the 
morning much indisposed. I attended recitation in the fore- 
noon ; but at noon, betook myself to bed, after the Lord had 
poured a blessing into my happy soul. The light affliction 
was sanctified, so that I could not pray, nor did I wish 
others to pray, for my recovery : and the symptoms were 
alarming. My will was entirely resolved in this : 1 Thy 
will be done; 5 — while I felt, that, 1 to be with Christ is best/ 



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143 



and the thought of dying was sweet ; but a favourable ope- 
ration of medicine removed the disease, and I felt like a new 
man. 

'* Looking at my record, made one year ago this evening, 
I find my testimony to the Lord's goodness the year just 
then ending, and an invocation for the continuance, not only, 
but for an increase of his favour and love, during the suc- 
ceeding year. My prayer has been heard. Great and glo- 
rious things have been done for my soul, in secret with my 
God ; and of all men I am under the strongest bonds of 
gratitude, of love, and of praise to him in return. 

" Why may I not expect greater things the coming year % 
' The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth 
more and more to the perfect day. 1 

44 Lord God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, whose I 
am, thine would I be. To thee, through the beloved, I re- 
newedly and solemnly engage my love and obedience. O 
keep me— save me from all evil — and bless me abundantly, 
more than I can ask or think — all things are possible with 
thee." 

1824. 

Mr. Taylor's annual letter to his father- and family, at 
Middle Haddam, which he called his neiv-y ear's gift, was 
written this year a little in advance of the usual time, and 
bears date the 14th December. From this communication, 
full of affection, filial and fraternal, we present our readers 
with some extracts, strongly expressive of gratitude and piety 
towards the giver of every good and perfect gift. 

" Reviewing the past year, many things which awaken 
pleasing reflections rise to my recollection. No period of 
my life has been marked with clearer indications of the 
Lord's goodness to his unworthy servant. When surveying 
my room, I discover one article here, and another, there, 
which reminds me of my dependence, and shows the libe- 
rality of dear relations and friends. How much they have 
.ministered to my wants, I cannot say : — only, for what 1 
have, I am indebted to Him who is the first cause of the 
openings — liberal openings, of the hands of those interested 
in my prosperity. But more of these will be manifested at 
the resurrection of the just, when our Lord shall say, * Inas- 
much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my 
13 



144 



MEMOIR. 



brethren, ye have done it unto me.' By the blessing of God, 
I have all things, and abound. 

" As to religious enjoyment, no year has witnessed such 
displays of divine love. And I may humbly and joyfully 
say, I have grown in grace. My trials have been few, and 
have all worked for good ; my temptations many, but in 
heaven's armour I have overcome. While my prospect 
for heaven gathers brightness, my determination to spend 
and be spent for God increases. I daily feel my nothing- 
ness ; and that it is 1 by the grace of God I am what I am,' 
a poor sinner saved by grace. I am one year nearer the 
end of my preparatory course. One year nearer ? Who 
knows that the Lord will count me faithful, putting me into 
the ministry? Concerning this, however, I am but little 
anxious. I know that my object — my highest wish, while 
on earth, is to be instrumental in bringing souls to Christ 
If then I should be called home while preparing for the 
field, it would be only calling me from the toil, to reap the 
reward. The good Shepherd accepts a willing mind ; and 
often instead of confining one's labours to earth, he takes 
the soul to heaven, to render a perfect service in his pre- 
sence. And who will say this is not to be preferred % I 
endeavour to take no thought for to-morrow : — to-day, my 
inquiry should be, What is my duty ? Thus I am endeavour- 
ing to go on, in a regular round of duty. My studies are at- 
tended to with the hope that they may be sanctified to some 
good use. My hours sacred to devotion are welcome, and 
bring with them streams from the fountain of living waters, 
and thus keep me alive. O how refreshing! how animating ! 
The presence of God makes us as trees planted by the rivers 
of waters, which yield good fruit — fruit to the glory of 
God. ****** 

" To look forward a year ! It is a precious — an invalu- 
able period of time. Thus, more than we do, the ransomed 
of the Lord, and the spirits of the lost, view it. O that we 
may be wise, to make the most of the year that is before us ! 
What new plans, then, for doing good, can we devise? or 
how can we improve those already adopted ? Why should 
we not strive, as individuals, to make an influence to be felt 
all over the earth? The Lord help us to labour faithfully. 
And this we should do not merely from a sense of duty, as 
obligatory upon all, but as binding upon each, and that too, 
now, as we know not but ere the close of 1824, we may be 
summoned hence. Has not Heaven something for us to do j 



MEMOIR. 



145 



something to make known, for the good of mankind through 
us % Let us pray over this interrogatory until we are 
satisfied. 

" What is before us as a family, and as individuals, we 
know not j but to Him who hath brought us hitherto, all is 
plain. * * * Concerning this we should not be anxious ; 
for 1 shall not the Judge of all the earth do right V 

" As for myself, I feel that the seeds of mortality have 
taken deep root within me, and I am frequently reminded 
of my latter end. But does this alarm me ? No ; for every 
evidence of the approach of the messenger, death, I have 
cause to rejoice, rather than to be terrified. It is a sweet 
exercise to pass the valley,- in imagination, and look beyond, 
upon the pearly gates. Faith enters within the city, and 
walks the golden streets. 

* O glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 
I shall be near, and like my God 1' " 

As Mr. Taylor closed the last year, so did he commence 
the new one. with a grateful and devout acknowledgment of 
the goodness and grace of God. 

On the 1st of January, we find in his diary this short but 
expressive notice : — 

" The Lord has indeed given me a happy beginning of a 
new year. At evening devotion, had a blessing so rich and 
full that there seemed a want of room to receive it. Carry 
on, carry on, thy glorious work, O my God, and make me 
more like Jesus." 

It is delightful to observe how this devoted servant of 
Christ laboured, not only to grow in grace himself, but to 
stimulate others in the same blessed course. In this, per- 
haps, as much as in any one thing he discovered his own 
likeness to Him who continually went about doing good. 
In his diary, and in all his correspondence, as well as in 
the recollections of his acquaintance and friends, he seemed 
never to lose sight of the spiritual improvement of those 
who professed to love the Lord Jesus Christ. In a letter, 
dated Nassau Hall, January 13th, 1824, addressed to Miss 
L i he wrote as follows : 

" It seems from your testimony that God has lately deep- 
ened the work of grace in your soul. How blessed to, be 



146 



MEMOIR. 



blessed of God ! What can equal that peace which Christ 
imparts in some favoured moment to his disciples 7 What 
joy is like that which flows from an unction of the Holy- 
One? It may be said of those who are justified and sancti- 
fied, 4 Ye are the temples of the Holy Ghost, 3 And to them 
earth has lost its charms — those scenes of former gayety are 
mourned over, as time worse than lost — forms and fashions 
no more seem becoming. With what holy contempt do 
such look upon the passing vanities of the world. Dis- 
gusted with these things, the soul seeks its happiness in re- 
tirement, and finding it there alone with God, leaves the 
worldling to his pursuits and pleasures. Give me my 
Bible, a season for holy meditation, and an opportunity to 
call on my 4 Father who seeth in secret,' and I envy not 
their joys. 

" Having been so richly blessed of Heaven, I trust you 
will go on, renewing your strength from day to day. We 
need * daily bread. 5 And close and intimate communion 
with God the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, is the 
food best adapted to the soul that has tasted that the Lord is 
gracious. May you find your closet more and more a 
Bethel. It is there that the soul must be trained. There 
the sweetest hours are to be enjoyed. Holy ones, in every 
age, have lived near to God in secret. It is this that fits one 
to live a holy, self-denying, cross-bearing life before the 
world. 

" Since my location in college, the Lord has been very 
gracious in manifesting his love to my soul. He has com- 
muned with me from off the mercy-seat, so that I have found 
that these walls cannot shut out the Comforter from my 
heart. Were it not for this refreshing from the presence of 
the Lord, what should I do ? Methinks of all men I should 
be the most miserable ; but with this my soul is happy, and 
often exults in God. 

" Were I to suggest some rules for holy living, they 
should be the following : 

" Let there be constant watchfulness, frequent fastings, 
and continual prayer. 

44 Let the Bible be a constant companion, for reading and 
meditation j and as a test to try every thought, word, and 
action. 

44 Do good to all. In a word, walk humbly, penitently, 
and believingly ; so shalt thou 4 die daily,' advance heaven- 
ward hourly, be blessed always, and happy for ever." 



MEMOIR. 



147 



"Diary, 16th January. — At evening devotion, the win- 
dows of heaven were opened, and showers of love refreshed 
my soul. My heart leaped for joy, What glorious things 
doth my God bestow upon a worm. Grace ! free grace V* 

Of the same date, 16th January, we find an interesting 
and instructive letter to one of his brothers, from which we 
give one or two extracts, strongly evincive of Mr. Taylor's 
fraternal affection and fidelity, and exibiting a lovely pic* 
ture of that respect which the younger should ever feel for 
the elder. # * * # 

" My brother, I love you * in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 5 
In him you are the elder, and I rejoice that I may converse 
with you as a partaker of the same grace. * You know the 
love of God.' But according to your testimony, it is not 
with you as in days that are past. Since you addressed me, 
it may be you have come up out of the wilderness, and are 
now leaning upon the Beloved. If so, I will rejoice with 
you. If not, I will sympathize, and my prayer shall be, 
that not many days hence you may be baptized with the Holy 
Ghost. Of myself I will not glory. I feel far from this ; 
but in Christ, through whom my peace is as a river, and my 
righteousness as the waves of the sea, I will glory. O, the 
love of God, into which I have sunk, as into an ocean. Peace, 
love, joy, and exultation, like waves of the sea, have rolled 
over me. *****! am still looking to sink deeper, and 
am waiting to hear you tell me that you are happy in the 
visits of the love of God. 

" I know indeed that you have a thousand things to op- 
pose your advance in the way of holiness, that are not com- 
mon with those in my situation. But still, 4 Foes we have, 
and we must fight.' We both need great grace to withstand 
our enemies. But, considering our employments, I conclude 
without hesitation, that your temptations and crosses are 
more numerous than mine. From the multiplicity of your 
cares in business, your mind may often be disturbed. * # * 
* None of these things move me.' The day rolls round, and I 
am charged with but three things of importance — My soul,my 
body, and my studies : and I have a time and place for each. 
If time and opportunity offer, a fourth is, to do good to my 
friends, near and remote. 

" As near as I can judge, the world has lost all its charms 
for me. I go not into it for its pleasures. I seek not my 
13* 



148 



MEMOIR. 



happiness among the wicked. No ; God is the source of my 
happiness ; Jesus the channel, and the Holy Spirit is the 
agent. Shut out from the world — shut up in God — surround- 
ed with darkness — rilled with light, I live alone, and yet am 
visited from heaven. And if I do not grow in grace, I shall 
be visited with stripes. Pray for me, that the good hand of 
God may still be upon me for good. I feel that God is train- 
ing me for something either in his vineyard here, or in glory 
above. I long for the best gifts, and to be found to be a work- 
man thoroughly furnished. ***** 

" I suppose you do not gain that frequent and near access 
to God which you once enjoyed ? Do you now give as much 
time to closet devotion as you then did? And when you 
retire, do you find your mind fixed on God, and your 
thoughts abstracted from worldly things, as formerly ? Let 
not my brother think this the language of reproach. It is 
love. And be assured, I verily believe, you would sacrifice 
all rather than knowingly wound the cause we love. If I 
mistake not, you wish to live in, what I long to have you 
enjoy, the fulness of God. Then let no cross be consider- 
ed too heavy to be borne in following Christ ; no loss too 
great to be sustained for Christ ; and no path too holy in 
going after Christ. 

" That you may possess all— nay more than you wish 
now, or even think, there is not the least doubt in my mind ; 
and not only possess it for a day, but for years — nay, for 
ever, with the increase. And but for this, what is the reli- 
gion of our Lord ? He led captivity captive that we might 
go free. He invites us into a close union with himself. 
He waits for a renewed and full surrender, to crown us with 
joy — to feed us with plenty — to bless us abundantly, and to 
make us kings and priests forever.' 3 

" 18th January. — How repeated the goodness of God. 
1 Ye are of more value than many sparrows.' * Your hea- 
venly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things/ 
Yesterday I received an amount sufficient to pay my session 
bill, besides a token from my dear friend L. P. 4 Lacked 
ye any thing 1 And they said, Nothing.' My wants have 
been supplied, and I continue to this day a witness of the 
faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God. 

"21st January. — How shall I record the wonderful works 
of God to a sinner saved by grace ? Glory to God in the 
highest. Language cannot describe the overflowing, melt- 



MEMOIR. 



149 



ing love of God! But my Lord knoweth, and my heart felt 
it at evening devotion. Shut out from the world, I held 
sweet converse with heaven. * * * But for these visitations 
of my God, what should I do % 

" 23d January. — May the twenty-third of each revolving 
month pass with grateful recollection. The loving-kindness 
of the Lord, O how great ! 

"Enjoyed a sweet season during my noon-day walk. * * * 
While I have fasted, I have been fed with heavenly 
manna. 

" O ! am I not blessed of God ? I sometimes think my- 
self the happiest mortal on earth. And soon, glory to God, 
I expect to join the church above. I have daily mementos 
of my mortality ; and my soul gets on high more and more, 
May I live in heaven." 

The correspondence of Mr. Taylor was so voluminous, 
that it is necessary, in order to bring this memoir within a 
reasonable compass, to make selections, and from these to 
give brief extracts ; and yet there runs so rich a vein of 
piety through all his papers, that the inducement is very 
strong just to arrange and print the whole. We find neither 
letter, nor note, nor record, in his diary, that has not some- 
thing of that all-pervading spirit of devotion, love, zeal for 
God's glory, and desire for the salvation of sinners. 

On the 29th of January, he wrote to a Christian friend, 
whom he seems greatly to have valued, a long letter full of 
affection, from which we give the following extract, as afford- 
ing evidence of his deep humility, the legitimate fruit of 
those blessed communications of grace, which he enjoyed. 

" My dear friend : 
" So far as I can judge of the highest enjoyment which 
Heaven's rich munificence bestows upon my soul, it is when 
faith gets a view of God the Father, as reconciled, and 
smiling propitiously — a view of the Son of God, that charms 
and captivates my heart, as the beloved — and a view of the 
Holy Ghost, as ' the promise of the Father.' It is at such a 
season that the windows of heaven are opened, and streams 
of love poured down, which find a welcome reception 
with a humble heart, and yet that feels itself the unworthiest 
of the unworthy. At no moment does the whole character 
of God appear more clearly. In all his attributes he beams 
forth ; and faith, and hope, and love, and joy, mingle together, 
13* 



150 



MEMOIR. 



and flow or >■ under his benign influence. And in testimony 
that the soul does not arrogate to itself the honour due to 
God, it renders up its all, its little all, in return for favours 
so divine. What exercise then takes up the soul % It is 
one that verges still nearer heaven— prayer is turned into 
praise. How do the goodness, the love, and the mercy of 
God, enlarge at every view ! And his holiness and his 
justice, too, gathers loveliness. The soul feels forgiven and 
washed, but cannot forgive itself. With the conviction of 
its ill desert, viz., the lowest hell, the soul wonders at its 
escape from the burning lake. ****** 

#####« tone f piety is not so high among pro- 
fessors of religion in our colleges as it should be. Alas ! 
why so much worldly-mindedness % Why so much for- 
mality % To tell you the plain truth, there is not enough 
of spirituality here j not so much as I expected to find.* # * * 

" My studies crowd upon me, so that I have a little more 
to do in my literary pursuits than / would choose; but it 
will doubtless be for the best. 

" The good Shepherd has caused me to feed in green pas- 
tures, since I wrote last. He is mindful of one who stands 
in need of continual and increased aid. 

M Not having a disposition to go out, I seldom leave my 
Bethel, save when duty calls. The more I see of the world, 
its forms and its fashions, the more am I disgusted. How 
blind ! how infatuated is sinful man ! What a gaudy show 
is this world ! All is vanity. What thanks we owe to 
Heaven for such a discovery! May our constant prayer 
ascend : * Lord, turn off mine eyes from beholding vanity. 5 

" I trust you are all making rapid progress in the divine 
life. Amidst temptations and fiery darts, we need the whole 
armour of God. The armour of men, however curiously 
wrought, still leaves the warrior vulnerable ; but with the 
whole armour of God, we can stand — stand against the ad- 
versary and all his wiles. Who then would rest short of 
the 'whole;'' a part will not answer. The Lord put the 
whole armour upon us, and help us to keep it bright by con- 
stant use. * * * * 

" Soon these conflicts will be over. Who would remain 
beyond the time appointed of the Father? And none ought 
to desire to depart, till Jesus comes agreeably to his promise : 
1 1 will come again and receive you unto myself, that where 
I am, there ye maybe also.' What will it be, to be with Christ 
above ? To be with him on earth makes our heaven below. 



MEMOIR. 



151 



This, also, we know, { that when Christ who is our life shall 
appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is.' " 

Extract from a letter written about this time to some rela- 
tions in Tolland, Connecticut, which shows that Mr. Taylor 
was skilled in administering consolation to the afflicted, as 
well as in exciting the saints to that diligence through which 
the assurance of hope is attained : 

# # * « J SU pp 0se is still under the chastening 
rod of our heavenly Father. But methinks you say, does 
this visitation deserve the nam§ of 'rod?' I doubt not, 
according to your testimony, you have found a rich remu- 
neration for all your privations. And we may set it down 
as a maxim established beyond question, that God will take 
nothing from his children, without bestowing something bet- 
ter either in kind or in amount. 

" The good and afflicted Jeremiah said, 1 It is good for a 
man to bear the yoke in his youth.' Lam. iii. 27. And we 
are not to suppose that it is not good also for those of riper 
years. It has been the testimony of the saints in every age, 
that ' affliction works for good to them that love God.' 

" But how is it good to bear the yoke, or to experience 
affliction? The context tells us, 'he sitteth alone.' The 
afflicted one, is blessed with retirement, free from the bustle 
and din of the world — has an opportunity for reflection, self- 
examination, and self-dedication to God, which the season 
calls for, and calls loudly. Not that this cannot and ought 
not to be done at other times, and by all ; but when the hand 
of God is upon us, we feel more than ever the importance 
of a complete surrender. Is not this good ? 

" ' He putteth his mouth in the dust ?' To bear the yoke, 
tends to produce humility and submission. It shows one's 
frailty and entire dependence. Were we always in pros- 
perity, we should not partake of all the legacy which Christ 
hath left to his disciples. By becoming acquainted with our 
weakness, we are induced with more humble reliance to 
depend on Him who is the strength of our heart and our 
portion for ever. And would we not share in all the ingre- 
dients of the cup which our heavenly Father hath prescribed 
for us ? Certainly ; for though not joyous for the present, 
but grievous, yet afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits 
of righteousness. And let one have peace in believing, and 
joy in the Holy Ghost, the world may rage, and the pains 



152 



MEMOIR. 



of death may get hold on him, but still he is in peace and 
can triumph. Here is a secret in religion, that the world 
cannot know, for it seeth not, nor comprehendeth it. But 
glory to God, to us it is no mystery. .And we expect to 
triumph in a dying hour. 

" 1 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him.' Afflic- 
tions tend to produce patience. How much of this grace 
we need! 

" 4 He is rilled with reproach.' Sanctified afflictions draw 
forth acknowledgments of the justice of God — and the soul 
thus visited, condemns itself, and gives praise to God. 

" Afflictions greatly quicken to duty. Earth fades more 
and more. The grave is viewed with composure. Prayer 
is more ardent. Heaven appears nearer and brighter, and 
the soul longs to fly away and dwell above. 

" If such be the fruits of bearing the yoke, who would 
not bear it ? But we must not solicit it. It is the prerogative 
of Heaven to put it on — to sustain us under it, and to remove 
it from us. 

11 May you find more and more, that good fruit is pro- 
duced by the pruning of the branch. The Husbandman 
water thee by his Spirit ! and may he communicate much of 
his vivifying influence, that you may flourish as the palm 
tree, and as the willow by the water courses. 

" I have not much to say of myself. But I can yet testify 
of the riches of the grace of God. I am yet a miracle of 
grace — yet a pilgrim, and glory that I am counted worthy 
to bear the cross. Heaven's rich munificence is manifested 
in the choicest of its stores bestowed upon the most unwor- 
thy. These college walls do not shut out my Godj my 
room hath become, from the first, a glorious Bethel, yes, a 
little heaven. It is a sacred spot; where my soul hath 
often drunk of the river of the water of life. 4 God is 
love.' This is my theme below : 1 God is love.' Help me to 
praise him for what he has done for my soul. He hath done 
great things, and marvellous, whereof I am glad and would 
rejoice. I wish to live for none else besides my God, and feel 
an increased determination to spend and be spent for him. 

" Twenty-one months have now gone by, since he so 
powerfully blessed me. Rich seasons, and richer still, have 
I enjoyed since, and richer still am I expecting below. But 
heaven ! heaven ! There is a heaven to come — a holy hea- 
ven — an eternal rest — a glorious habitation — and new glo- 
ries are yet to be revealed, 



MEMOIR. 



153 



"Well, we are on our journey; but, alas! some of our 
dear relatives are yet behind — still without a new heart — 
yet destitute of vital piety, however excellent and amiable in 
their moral deportment. But farewell, even to them — an 
eternal hear t-r ending farewell, even to those we love, if they 
will not regard the voice of God. We cannot give up our 
hope for their joys, nor join hands with the wicked. May 
they be saved — may they be saved, and with us gathered 
into the fold of Christ." 

On the 31st January, Mr. Taylor wrote the following 
note to his friend, Miss W , of New York : 

* # * »« of you I have not heard a word for more than 
a month, and peradventure I may be addressing the dead. 
In every paper I receive, I generally look first for those 
solemn mementos of man's mortality. Ah, we don't see the 
half of the ravages that death is making in our world. 
Hundreds upon hundreds crowd the dark valley from day 
to day — millions upon millions, in quick succession, have 
'! gone into the eternal world. But my friend may yet be 
on this side Jordan, yet suffering and doing the will of her 
I heavenly Father. Well — he knows what is best. It is he 
that commences, continues, and ends the mortal existence of 
ji his creatures. And would we be at the disposal of any 
other % No. In his will would we acquiesce, concerning life, 
health, and all our enjoyments. To rest here, is to rest safely; 
and if we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, he will 
direct our steps. Your cup for years has been one of suffer- 
ing, but mingled with many a precious sweet. You can tell 
the world that you suffer, and they will believe you ; again 
you may tell them that the love of God helps you to forget, 
or to triumph over your pains, and they will only stare. 
But however they may wonder, still it is true — so true that 
you may bless the Lord for the pains you endure. 

41 May you find more and more that the good Shepherd 
feeds you as one of his sheep. May he keep you in joyful 
anticipation of entering the fold above. ' Where I am, there 
shall ye be also.' 1 Fear not little flock ; it is your Father's 
good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' # * * We know 
in whom we have believed, and that he hath set up in our 
hearts that kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and joy 
in the Holy Ghost. O may it be set up with more power. 
" The good hand of our God is upon me. My room is 



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still made a Bethel. It is religion that shines more and 
more to the perfect day." 

Of the same date is a letter to his parents, in which Mr. 
Taylor shows, (and this seems to have been the constant 
state of his heart,) how dead he was to the world, and how 
he lived on the very confines of heaven. 

" I am still a pilgrim, and the good hand of God is upon 
me. * His loving-kindness, O how strong.' I glory that I 

am a pilgrim." 

How truly he acknowledged God in all his ways, de- 
serves to be noticed and imitated. Nothing seems to have 
occurred, in which he did not distinctly recognize the hand 
of his heavenly Father. In his diary he records, 

" Among other mercies, I unexpectedly hailed my dear 
brother J—, who called upon me this evening on his way 
to New York, from the south. 

" My session bills are all settled. The Lord has made 
provision for me without one exertion of my own. Is not 
this providential ? O he taketh care of the sparrows ; and he 
has satisfied me with every good thing. 

1 I'll praise him for all that is past, 
And trust him for what is to come.' M 

"Feb. 8. — Returned this morning from visiting Lawrence- 
ville, and it was grateful once more, after an absence of only 
thirty hours, to return to my room again. 

" Change of place is not favourable to growth in grace. 
Visiting and journeying, to me, unless immediately engag- 
ed in the service of God, are not so advantageous, as sweet 
retirement. But I have been taught lessons whereby I 
hope to profit while the world and its joys become tasteless 
to my soul ; I hunger for the heavenly manna. 

" My friend L. P. conveyed me from Lawrenceville to 
Princeton in his gig. Precious soul, I fear for him. How- 
ever moral, amiable, and upright in his outward deportment, 
his heart, I fear, is yet unreconciled to God. Nay, I have 
no doubt of it ; for if he loved God, would he not love to talk 
of the power of his love. If he loved Jesus, would he not 
tell of his love ? But no ; when the subject comes home he 
seems to be a stranger to grace. And shall I cease to pray 



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155 



for him ? No, let my supplications be increased in his he- 
half Shall I not see an answer to my strong cries and 
tears which have already been poured out for him ? O that 
salvation might come to his house. 

" At evening devotion had a delightful season. My Fa- 
ther smiled — Jesus drew near — the Comforter descended — 
and I could praise the Lord and give glory to my God — 
and at church too, rich food — that bread which cometh 
down from heaven, was communicated, and mv soul feasted. 

' Love divine, all love excelling/' 

" O the sweet peace of my happy soul ; e Tell me no more 
of earthly toys 7 — Christ is my theme, and Christ my song. 
None but Jesus and him crucified ! 

" Feb, 18th. — This morning, just before I arose, had a view 
in my sleep which has left a solemn impression on my 
mind : I seemed to be in a store in company with a few 
persons, when suddenly a sound came as the voice of thun- 
der, and light spread all around, and a rider upon a frighten- 
ed horse, passed the window — alarm seized all around me, 
and one in particular. The scene was again repeated in 
quick succession; and looking up I saw an appearance like 
the sun descending majestically, but with mighty force, and 
it dashed upon the earth. Immediately after, there appear- 
ed in various directions, large balls, as of melted iron, which 
were driven about wi£8 the velocity of lightning, I awoke, 
but unalarmed, as in the midst of the shock, looking unto 
the Lord 

" The reflection that arose was, how easily could al- 
mighty God dissolve this earth, and summon the world to 
judgment. And as easily can he dash his foes to pieces, 
O the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night • 
in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great 
noise, and the elements shall, melt with fervent heat ; the 
earth also, and the works that are 4 therein, shall be burn- 
ed up.' 

" Feb. 20th. — Although weary with my labour, before re- 
tiring I would record the rich display of the love of my 
covenant God. Went into the prayer hall this evening with, 
my mind troubled, principally from the necessity of so con- 
stant attention to my studies, and that I had no more time 
for reading the scriptures, meditation, and prayer. My 
heavenly Father witnessed the movings andVthe sincerity 
of my heart, and graciously smiled upon , me. My Jesus 



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sympathized with me — my Comforter drew near; and O 
what a blessing was poured into my soul ! 

" Feb. 24th. — Received two letters this morning from the 
east, bringing ' glad tidings of great joy. 7 Revivals of re- 
ligion are multiplying, and souls are nocking to the cross. 

" At evening devotion, had a ' gracious rain.' O what 
intimate communion with the Father ! The Beloved, is my 
beloved. And who is rich, and I am not rich ? ' Praise the 
Lord, O my soul.' 

" Had a refreshing letter from sister M. corroborating 
former intelligence of the revivals, with the mention of its 
commencement in Old Haddam ; also that another relative 
testifies to the pardoning love of God. Now all, save one, 
of my mother's brothers and sisters profess religion, and I 
trust live near to God." 

Extract from a letter of the Rev. F. W. Hotchkiss, to J. 
B. T. — a testimony of affectionate regard, and of Mr. TVs 
usefulness. 

"Saybrook, February 18th, 1824. 

" My very dear young friend, 

" Yours of December was received, with many grateful 
recollections. 

" Your last visit was so replete with affectionate labour, 
that it will be long remembered with gratitude and love, by 
my family and people, accompanied with many prayers for 
your health and growing usefulness. I verily believe that 
it has been blessed. 

" The two young persons, who obtained hope in Christ 
while you were with us, still retain their Christian feelings, 
and manifest to their friends a happy change, for although 

one of them is in , yet their written intercourse shows 

that they have learned the language of Zion. 

'* Indeed, there is something in Christian language, so dif- 
ferent from that of the world and all its meretricious adorn- 
ments, that the learned and unlearned who have been in the 
school of Christ soon find it ; and they will speak it, because 
they feel it. ' Agnoverunt eos fuisse cum Jesu. They took 
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' 

" Imitation may deceive for awhile; but want of uniformi- 
ty will detect the counterfeit. 

" The religious meetings, in our western district, continue 
to be fully attended ; and there are some evident impressions 



MEMOIR. 



157 



of heart, besides those which you observed, and which ap- 
peared after your address to the young- people. On the 
whole, the religious state of this people, if not advancing, 
is evidently not retrogressive. 

" I am frequently hearing of great displays of Divine grace 
in the eastern section of this state ; and truly the Lord is 
doing great things in many places. The latest, but not the 
least revival, is now in full progress at East Haddam and 
Westchester, — extensive and powerful, 1 to the pulling down 
of strong holds.' # * 

" When you left us, our affectionate remembrances and 
supplications accompanied you on the voyage ; and we anti- 
cipated your speedy arrival in New York. The account, 
we soon received of your threatened shipwreck, was speed- 
ily followed with a narrative of the circumstances, which 
much alleviated our regret and sympathies. The Christian 
cannot perfectly know the sincerity and strength of his faith 
till the hour of trial. It was no little gratification to us to 
be ascertained of the firmness of the little Christian society, 
on board, in the hour of imminent peril. 

" There was one with you, amiable like the youth whom 
Jesus beholding, loved, yet wanting the one thing :— She 
feared ; and perhaps remembered that she had often been 
admonished. Your letter touched on this subject ; and she 
has since been repeatedly informed of what you wrote. She 
appears to be thoughtful, and tender on the subject. The 
impression may be durable and happy ; she speaks of you 
with much affection. 

" You are now, I trust, pleasantly situated at Nassau 
Hall, preparing for that field which is extensive as the 
world ; the labours in which are to endure with life, and 
the result to reach beyond time. Does the prospect still 
animate to engagedness and perseverance ? Does the period 
of preparation seem not too long for the glory that awaits ? 
Can you so identify your studies with the object in ultimate 
view, as to make them pleasant % Can you read the classics, 
as pioneers to the advent of Him to whom every knee must 
bow? Can you say with one who had long been in the 
school of Gamaliel, ' Forgetting those things which are 
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are 
before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high 
calling of God, in Christ Jesus.' 

tl By your last, it appears you are favoured with Christian 
consolation beyond what is usual to every Christian. You 
14 



V5S 



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seem to have an unclouded faith. Should yon be able, 
through abounding grace, to maintain this animating expe- 
rience, you must be highly privileged among your brethren, 
As to myself I am seldom exercised with doubts, and yet 
but rarely elevated with very bright views of the glory 
of God. 

" I think I can say that the intercourse I enjoy with the 
Father, in the inner chamber, constitutes a very precious, 
interesting, and privileged portion of my life; but I find too lit- 
tle of that, * changing from glory to glory/ which you enjoy. 

44 Were I to judge of myself by my labours and the little 
success attending them, I feel that there is much — very much 
to humble me. I desire your prayers, and the fervent inter- 
cession of the faithful for me. The inwrought, fervent 
prayer of the righteous, hath great power. 

" Are you pleased with your instructors % Are they men 
of Christian experience, as well as literary talent ? Do they 
intermingle frequent pious inferences with scientific instruc- 
tions '? Are your classmates such with whom you can have 
pleasant intercourse % Have you pleasant religious meet- 
ings, where Christians can speak their feelings, and mingle 
their religious sympathies, and take the lambs in their arms ? 
How far do your instructors give liberty for holding reli- 
gious assemblies, and what are the precautions they con- 
sider to be necessary ? Is subordination well sustained by a 
well conducted collegiate discipline ? * * * Shall we have 
the pleasure to see you face to face in the spring vacation. 
My family, with many pleasant recollections, unite with me 
in the best wishes and prayers, for your best welfare and 
highest usefulness. 

" Yours, in the best bonds, 

" Fred. Wm. Hotchkiss. 71 

Extract of a letter to the Rev. F. W. Hotchkiss, of Say- 
brook, dated 27th February, 1824 

" Rev. Father j— for to me you have exercised an office 
not unlike that of Paul to Timothy, whom he styles his son. 
And Timothy-like, I trust your admonition and wise in- 
structions will greatly tend to lead me in the way of duty. 
Indeed I bless the kind Providence that at first directed me 
to your happy mansion. That our intercourse has been 
sanctified to our mutual growth under the divine culture* is 
a benefit not attendant upon every association. 



MEMOIR. 



159 



11 You conjecture rightly as to the pleasantness of my situ- 
ation. When I recount the goodness of God to me during 
the past, and survey his loving-kindness, now surrounding 
me, and look beyond time, I have enough to sink my soul 
into the depths of gratitude and love. Glory to our God 
for ever; and let every one say, amen ; for his mercy endu- 
reth for ever. 

" Sometimes the question arises, ' What doest thou here V 
But as often, I have found that I could not remove, for I 
could not see that it was the will of the Lord. But what 
exercises my mind the most, respecting my course, is the 
right distribution of time ; i. e. how much to devote to each 
duty or study? Will you oblige me with your thoughts on 
this subject-? Had a student — had / better attend to my col- 
lege studies in preference to a longer attention to my Bible ? 
Would I not be safe in omitting, during my course, any and 
all kinds of reading and study, except the Bible, and what 
is required in college ? Would I not thereby be the better 
prepared for usefulness in the church 1 And would not one, 
by an intimate knowledge of the scriptures, with love to 
God, be better prepared for heaven, if taken away in the 
] midst of his preparation for the pulpit ? I find that the Bible 
is more and more precious ; and my regret is, that I have 
so little time to read and study it ! I regret too my ignorance 
of a nameless variety of subjects, which rising to my view, 
stamp vacuum upon my mind — But I want your reply. 

" O what a mercy that one need not be a Newton or a 
Locke to get to heaven. And where does piety display 
itself with more brilliancy than in the humble poor ? O for 
more of that wisdom that cometh from above. Lord, what 
; I know not, teach thou me. 

" Were it not for the arm of the Lord, where could a poor 
creature rest ? Where a minister ? Where a candidate for 
the ministry? The Lord hide us in his pavilion — shelter 
us under his wing, till all the storms of life be overpast. O 
how serene! My soul this moment anticipates the sweet re- 
pose: Yes, I feel that the kingdom is set up in my heart, 
and that the King is on his throne. Help me to praise the 
Lord! Are you not all captivated with our beloved ? He is 
the chiefest among ten thousand. 

44 To preach Jesus Christ and him crucified ! For this 
would I live, and in this alone would I dia I have no higher 
abject ; I can have no higher. Do you respond, Lord en- 
dow him with heavenly gifts — anoint him with the holy oil 
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■ — make him an Israelite indeed — arm him with the Spirit's 
power — and own him as one of thy favoured servants ? But 
ere the anticipated hour, my prospects may be changed, and 
I obey the summons, 4 Come up higher.' Happy thought 
There I expect to meet you — your companion — your chil- 
dren — how then will we tell? O the fire burns in my soul, and 
causes the ready tear to flow- — Will tell — But with these 
thoughts, I will bid you, as I was wont, good night, and bear 
us all before the throne of grace, sweetly anticipating the 
time when I shall once more greet you with my right hand 
and affectionate heart. Adieu, 

"James B. Taylor. 
11 Again I resume my pen to thank you for your last com- 
munication. I hope this will find you all feasting on love 
divine. My soul was blessed while writing the above. I 
have, as usual, given you my thoughts as they flowed, for I 
have not time to think. May they be a blessing to your do- 
mestic circle, and excite your more earnest prayers in my 
behalf, I often think of the scene on board the sloop. 

1 How happy are they, 
Who their Saviour obey.' 

M The Lord was with us. I remember too the case of Mrs. 
J—, and as I call it to mind now, my thoughts go forward 
to the bar of God. I ask, Where shall I see that friend 
stand at the judgment-day t Shall I be a witness against 
her ? May she repent, and make Jesus her friend. With 
what pleasure did I read your testimony of the steadfastness 
of those two lambs of the flock ! The Lord hold them still 
in his arms. May they cling to the only refuge of sinners. 
But how alarming, my dear friend, is the situation of your 
dear congregation. Altho' not retrogressive, why do we not 
see those who profess religion, with rapid pace march up 
the heavenly hill % Alas for the ungodly and impenitent in 
the midst of you I Is there not a cloud of wrath impending ? 
Ah, soon many unconverted souls may hear their doom, 

DEPART. 

" To Mrs. H., and Miss A., and S., give an affectionate 
remembrance. J. B. T." 

" Nassau Hall, 29th February, 1824. 
u To the dear family I love. — Whence comes it that 
I have had no letter from any of you thus far this session ? 
it is true I am not worthy of your remembrance, yet your 



MEMOIR. 



161 



affectionate regard, I think, ought to have prompted the 
seeming inertness of my sisters, during the frozen season, 
O, you know not of how much you may have deprived me, 
by not telling me of your affairs — But I have been happy 
— yes — and although you have been silent, my voice has as- 
cended on high for you all. And while I have breath, I 
cannot cease to pray for, and while 1 have being, to love you. 

" The Lord still remembers me within these walls. * * 
• * # # # jy|y health is as usual. The prospect of 
seeing you in April gives me pleasure 2 but I make no defi- 
nite calculation. I know not what is for me and for my 
friends — I feel that I am not my own. Be not then disap- 
pointed, whatever change takes place, sudden or looked for ; 
it will be for our good. * # * * 

" With increased affection, 

"J. B. Taylor." 

We proceed with our extracts from Mr. Taylor's journal, 
in which we trace that spirituality and devotedness of heart, 
by which he was so habitually characterized. 

" 7th March. — This has been a high day with my souL 
The banner of Jesus over me has been love. He has breathed 
on me, and I have been baptized with the Holy Ghost. O, I 
love his visits ! How animating his presence ! It is my 
heaven below. Lord enlarge the vessel, and give me more. 
The King is on his throne. I am a temple of the Holy Ghost, 
with a sweet prospect of heaven. 

" 14th. — Yesterday went to seek a retreat in the woods 
— a place whither I might resort to hold converse with 
God. I found such a place, and if permitted to resort thither, 
at morning, noon, or eventide, may I find the good Shep- 
herd, as I was wont to find him under the well remembered 
tree at L. 

" Before God, and in the presence of angels, in secret, and 
in the great congregation, have I been sweetly visited this 
Sabbath day. 

' Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, I love.' 

" Finished reading the Revelation to-day, which I have 
done in course, and with a commentary. Much light has been 
scattered in my path, and love has flowed into my soul, 
through the Word. My heart has experienced the truth 
of God — I have felt its power — not as an uncertain sound, 
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162 



MEMOIR. 



but as the voice of the Almighty. 4 Thy law is my delight, 
How love I thy testimonies.' ***** 

" 18th. — 1 The way of the transgressor is hard,' not only 
with the unconverted, but with those who are born again. 
So have I found it. Yielding to temptation, has brought 
leanness into my soul. The Lord, as my covenant Father, 
exercised the discipline of the covenant, and so visited my 
sins with stripes. 1 Alas ! for me !' cried my dejected spirit 
— bowed down as a bulrush I went, seeking rest but finding 
none, from morning till night. At evening devotion, my 
heart broke with contrition and hatred of sin. — Repented 
and made a full surrender to God, and felt the blessedness 
of sins forgiven, and the restoration of life divine. * * * 

" 20th. — Felt an indwelling God to-night. * * 

"28th. — Yesterday morning arose with a heavy load. 
1 If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus 
Christ, the righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins.' 
Upon this word my faith fastened. Also upon this, ' If we 
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our 
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' But the 
whole day was spent without the sensible presence of God. 
I sought him whom my soul loveth, but found him not. At 
night too, upon my knees — reading my Bible — in medita- 
tion — visiting the sick and the people of God ; but all in 
vain — the glory had departed, and darkness covered my 
soul. * * Thus it was after my return to my Bethel. 
Being about to retire, I knew not but I must lie down under 
the frown of God, which I most justly experienced ; but I 
resolved upon one more effort, and went out of college with 
groans which could not be uttered. O ! the pressure that 
sunk me down ! I refused to be comforted till my Beloved 
should visit me 4 with the kisses of his mouth.' I made my 
way to the back part of the campus in agony of soul. There 
I seated myself, and attempted to sing, 

4 Mercy, O thou Son of David !' 

My mouth was stopped. I felt guilty before a holy God : 
prostrate before him, with uplifted eyes, me-thought: 

1 Cold mountains and the midnight air, 
Witness'd the fervour of thy prayer.' 

"It touched my heart, and faith's view of Jesus broke the 
chain : the burden glided off, and I returned giving glory to 
God. 

1 The desert thy temptations knew, 
Thy conflict, and thy victory too/ 



MEMOIR. 



163 



" I laid me down and slept sweetly, as in the embraces of 
my Beloved, and arose this morning with a thankful remem- 
brance of God's mercy. 

" I praise the Lord for his discipline of the covenant, as 
promised in the 89th Psalm, 30th verse; and that, as the good 
shepherd, he has restored a wandering sheep. # * # * 

" April 4th. Lord's day. — Yesterday morning had a rich 
blessing from above. My mind has been turned towards 
the King of Zion for direction relative to my anticipated 
vacation. Heretofore I have made too many calculations of 
my own, which in many instances have been frustrated. 
Upon the Lord have I been able to lean while pleading with 
him for direction in the way I should go, and that he would 
attend me as I go out and come in. I have no plan, nor 
perhaps do I need one; for the assurance seemed to come 
to me; ' What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know here- 
after.' But a larger biossing was communicated to me 
during this evening's devol ion. * * * # I called to mind, 
with a grateful recollection, the refreshings the Lord had 
vouchsafed to me in my little Bethel, here, some of which I 
have recorded for future review, should I have occasion. 
The coming vacation again rested on my mind, with a desire 
to know the will of the Lord, and again I was unburdened 
with, 1 What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know here- 
after so I trust the Lord will make all plain before me, 
and lead me in a way in which he will be glorified, and my 
soul greatly benefited. The thought that I might possibly 
never return, led me to contemplate my heavenly home. I 
knew not but the Master would call for me soon. 1 ' groaned, 
being burdened ; not that I would be unclothed, but clothed 
upon with my house which is from heaven.' For a moment 
Jesus seemed to hide his face. But this made way for a 
brighter vision of the Father through the Son ; and such a 
season of communion with my heavenly Father, with so 
much of the spirit of adoption, I think I never before expe- 
rienced. With what melting of soul did I say, Abba, 
Father ! and the manifestation of the Son was with joy. I 
praise the Lord, the power of God was upon me. After- 
wards, I had an agonizing spirit of prayer for my friend L. P., 
such as I had not felt for some time ; I knew not indeed but 
I had lost it for ever. I am more encouraged for him. My 
only request is, that he may be converted. Lord, send sal- 
vation to his soul. 

" This visitation was indeed a crowning blessing ; and I 



164 



MEMOIR. 



shall doubtless rememoer this 4th of April as an uncommon 
season before the Lord. * * * * 

" Enjoyed a communion season with a coloured brother, 
this night. Happy soul ! I have found him a kindred spirit. 
We are all one in Christ Jesus. Alth ugh he cannot read, 
he can tell of wonders that God hath wi ought for him. 

" April 8th. — Left Princeton for New York. For a day 
or two previous, my mind was in darkness, and I went 
mourning my heaviness. I inquire 1 of the Lord if I should 
go thus on my way to my father's he use? and laid my cause 
before the throne. The time soon arri 'ed for the dismissal 
of my class, at which time the standing of each student was 
made known. Having found my standing to be No. 1, I 
repaired to my room, and once more looked to the Lord for 
his distinguishing love, with the strong feeling that earthly 
distinction cannot satisfy my heart's desire. Here, while I 
remembered the goodness of God during the past winter, in 
blessing 1 me in soul and body, to my growth in grace, and 
success in my studies, the Sun of righteousness seemed to 
break through the cloud, but I was interrupted by the 
approach of a friend. * * # Recollecting the standing which 
had been given me by the Faculty, I said to myself, What 
are honours? What is earthly applause? Ah! these are 
not my God. I saw their emptiness, and not only desired, 
but longed for his presence, in whom my soul takes delight. 
The Lord bowed the heavens, and while I wrote vanity 
upon all things beside his love, he let drop sweetness into my 
soul, and I was blessed with a blessing that 'maketh rich, 
and addeth no sorrow.* 'Bless the Lord, O my soul.' 

" Having repaired to my room for prayer, for the last 
time before my departure, I met my God, who put upon me 
anew the armour in which I stood fast. Thence, I went 
to take leave of brother L., where the Lord again manifested 
himself to me in power. Before and at the throne of grace 
with him, I was happy and exulted in Jehovah, who is my 
strength and my salvation. — The season was a good one to 
brother L. too. May the Lord abundantly bless him. 

" After parting with him, with many tears, I set out for 
New Brunswick; whither, with the exception of two miles, 
I journeyed on foot. By this means I was able to save one 
dollar and twenty-five cents, to aid a poor widow. How sweet 
is self-denial when practised for gro vth in grace, or to 
relieve the distressed ! The Lord gave me a liberal heart: 
—X trust it has been enlarged of late, 



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165 



" Spent a night with my very dear friend Mr. D. and 
family; into whose mansion I was received, and treated 
with greatest cordiality. The Lord bless that household, 
and make it a household of faith and holiness. 

" Arrived in New York on the 10th, * # and designed to 
leave for M. H. in the afternoon, but was detained by adverse 
winds, to receive a propitious gale from beyond the skies. 

At brother J 's, with my father and his seven sons, 

together with the beloved companions of brothers K. and J., 
the good Shepherd met us. * * We found it good to con- 
verse, and pray together. — Yes, we had a blessing indeed. 
My soul, in recounting the favours of the past session, melted 
before the Lord, in gratitude and praise. I testified to them 
all concerning the loving-kindness of our God. They too 
were melted, and it was a precious season. 

* Tell me no more of earthly joys.' 

" Arrived at M. H. on the 14th, and was once more 
received into the bosom of our dear household. Thanks to 
the Lord for his goodness. While on my voyage, I had 
but little opportunity for retirement. Before and upon my 
arrival, I had a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, 
and the Lord filled me. I retired and held sweet com- 
munion with heaven. Soon the family was together, and 
we enjoyed a season of prayer. God was with us, and 
blessed us abundantly. The Beloved spread his banner 
over us, and our souls were filled with love. Happy meet- 
ing ! How much happier when we meet above ! 

" 23d. — This evening had a most fervent spirit of devotion 
at family worship. The Lord richly blessed us with his 
love. God is love. With what tenderness and simplicity 
the child of God calls upon him, when the spirit of prayer 
is poured out. I have found every season of family worship 
precious, but this was exceedingly precious. * * Wrote 
cousin M. A. — The Lord speed her on her journey to the 
skies.' 3 

This letter, with some slight omissions, here follows : 

"Middle Haddam, April 23d, 1824. 

* * * * "Be assured, it would give me heart felt satisfac- 
tion to tender you my right hand, and again enjoy that 
Christian communion in which we have so often delighted. 

" My dear cousin what shall I say ? With you I presume, 



166 



MEMOIR. 



it has been joy and rejoicing all the day long. How delight- 
fully, then, has time passed away ! How sweet have you 
found it to retire from the world, and hold intercourse with 
heaven ! And have you not had nearness of access in 
pleading for me ? O how it would afflict the soul of my 
cousin, should I tell her that coldness and deadness have 
prevailed over me since I saw her ! Would you not exclaim, 
4 O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of 
tears, that I might weep day and night for him?' But give 
praise to him that sitteth upon the throne, I have spent the 
happiest winter of my life ; yes, my soul has been in health, 
ajid prospered. And methinks you will say, Bless the Lord, 
for he is good, 6 and his mercy endureth for ever.' 

" Happy, happy seasons have I experienced since last I 
gave you the parting hand. For the -most part, I have had 
the kingdom of heaven sensibly set up in my soul. Some- 
times peace hath ruled my heart— sometimes the overpower- 
ing love of God. The King has been, and is now on the 
throne. I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless I live, yet 
not I, but Christ liveth in me : and the life that I live in the 
flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, 
and gave himself for me. 

" You will recollect the seasons we enjoyed — when last 
together— seasons of prayer and praise. But to me, none 
is more memorable than that enjoyed, nearly two years ago 
at Mr. B.'s. Happy time ! glorious era ! for the Lord then 
and there accomplished for a poor sinner, the good pleasure 
of his will ***** "What a blessing it was ! not like 
the morning cloud and the early dew, but permanent as 
his love. 

" To enumerate the renewals of his presence I have had 
since, would be impossible. Suffice it to say, his banner 
over me has been love. Into the love of God, as an ocean, 
have I sunk. Gospel measure has been bestowed, and I 
have been richly fed from .the Master's table. 

" Does not my testimony encourage you to continue your 
supplication ? I long to have the windows of heaven opened, 
and abundant blessings poured down from on high. Let 
us then send up our prayers that brighter, and still brighter 
manifestations, may be made to us, that as the shining light 
we may shine more and more to the perfect day. 

" Those among us who stand fast, seem to progress in 
their way. But alas 1 how many there are, who say, Lord, 
Lord, but do not his commandments. These things ought 



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167 



not so to be. Let us take warning and hold fast whereunto 
we have attained that no one take our crown. 

" Seeing that the time is at hand, should we not be faith- 
ful % Our season for laying up treasure in heaven will soon 
be over — our opportunities to warn the impenitent all be 
past, and prayer be turned into praise, hope into fruition, 
and time will be no longer. Blessed is that servant, who 
at .the coming of the Lord, shall be found faithful. He will 
receive all such unto himself, that where he is, there they 
may be also. * * Does not your soul long for the blessed 
abode % 4 To be with Christ is best.' I expect to see you 
in heaven there. The Lord has given me an earnest of the 
inheritance — a foretaste of glory. On earth we draw near 
to God. In heaven we shall see Jesus as he is. Angels 
and saints will be our companions. Then shall we sing, 
* Loud hallelujahs to the Lamb for ever and ever. 5 " 

The reader will observe that James Taylor was now pass- 
ing his college vacation among his friends; but instead of 
wasting his precious time in seeking pleasure, or in listless 
inactivity, as is the case witK too many young men in such 
circumstances, the season appears from his letters and jour- 
nal, to have been one of constant and faithful labour. By 
day and night, publicly and from house to house, and at 
various places — in Middle Haddam, Colchester, Bozrah, &c. 
did he exercise himself, in exhorting and praying and con- 
versing and singing the songs of Zion ; endeavouring by all 
the means he could employ to diffuse his own spirit among 
professors of religion ; directing inquiring souls to the 
Lamb of God ; rejoicing with young converts, and warning 
the careless and impenitent of their danger. And there is 
reason to believe that very many souls will bless God to all 
eternity for this college vacation of Mr. Taylor, which gave 
the time and opportunity for his labours among them. Even 
on his way back to Princeton, being driven by stress of 
weather, to make a harbour at Sachem's Head, he went 
ashore and continued his faithful labours. 

" Here," says he, " I found work to do — visited from 
house to house, and in the evening held a meeting. Thank 
the Lord for another opportunity of sowing the good seed. 
May it be nurtured by the Holy Spirit." 

" May 14th — Arrived at New- York, and spoke in a meet- 
15 



163 



MEMOIR. 



ing at night, with apparent effect. After I had retired, for 
some time, sleep fled from me, while the condition of this 
city pressed upon my mind. Thought I, what stays the 
thunderbolts of Jehovah's wrath from this people ? # O that 
salvation might visit them. I endeavoured to be faithful in 
bearing testimony to the truth — And I found that where the 
word of a King is, there is power. 

" 20th. — Last evening reached Princeton, and rejoice that 
the Lord has led me in paths that I little thought of, when I 
had the assurance, ' What thou know r est not now, thou shalt 
know hereafter} He is well led whom the Lord leadeth. 
Henceforward let me lean upon his arm and be guided by 
his Spirit. 

" 21st. — At evening devotion, sought him whom my soul 
loveth, and found him the chief among ten thousand, and 
altogether lovely. After reading the Word, walked out to 
my retreat away from the world, to hold intercourse with 
heaven. The intercourse was open and free — the commu- 
nion sweet — while I sunk into nothing before the Lord, and 
melted into love and tenderness at the view of his abundant 
goodness. Praise the Lord, my soul. May I ever find 
this place a Bethel. Walked to see T., and found him 
alive — with him held communion. He seems, and I felt 
him to be a man of God ; and though a coloured man, is 
beloved of God, and by me. * Every one that loveth him 
that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.' 1 John 
v. 1. I expect to talk to the coloured people at his house 
on Sunday evening next. May good be done. 

" Two weeks ago this night, I was blessed of God with a 
powerful visitation of grace and love in the closet, at Mr. C.'s, 
in Colchester; after which we had an interesting meeting, 
for old professors, young converts, and anxious souls. 
They are now doubtless assembled, and enjoying God's 
blessing. I love them in our dear Lord. And do they not 
pray for my prosperity? Lord, hear prayer in my behalf. 
Salvation ! The Lord will provide ! 

" How good is -the Lord! How shall I praise him? 
Eternity is not too long to utter all his praise. My wants 
are supplied, and I have a surplus. For soul and body 
provision is made. And now to God, whose I am, I would 
commit my way — acknowledge him in all my paths, and 
pray that he would direct my steps. 

" 31st. — Had at evening devotion an overflow of God's 
love, after an absence of the Comforter, grieved away by my 



MEMOIR. 



169 



rebellion. But upon my humble submission, with deep repent- 
ance, my Saviour returned to my soul. Alas ! why should 
I ever leave him % But bless the Lord for the discipline of 
his covenant, and for the manifestations of his favour and 
love. Wrote to my friend E." 

From the letter thus noted, we present the reader with 
the following extracts: — 

" Nassau Hall, 31st May, 1824. 

"Very dear E— — — , 

" Having passed the day in my ordinary pursuits, and 
been abundantly refreshed at evening devotion, I feel con- 
strained to bless the Lord and take courage ; yes, I rejoice 
that another day has been numbered — another of the days of 
my pilgrimage below : for the sweet prospect of heaven h&s 
gathered brightness, while my soul has melted with the love 
of God, let down in streams from the overflowing fountain. 
O my dear E., who is rich, and the Christian not rich % 
Who is happy, and the Christian not happy? Let the world 
have the pleasures of the world; but our souls cry out for 
God; for the living God, in whose presence below is joy 
unspeakable and full of glory. 

" I can tell you how my mind was led this evening, and 
it may prove a blessing to you. I read the 2d chap, of Isaiah. 
The promise of prosperity to Zion, the mountain of the Lord's 
house, cheered my heart ; I could believe that all nations 
shall flow unto it, and I anticipate the glorious day, though 
not on earth, to witness it, yet in heaven to rejoice with the 
church triumphant. My soul cried out, Let the Lord alone 
be exalted. But the last verse, which speaks of ' man whose 
breath is in his nostrils,' came with a richer blessing. Thought 
I, soon my pilgrimage will end. Perchance these hands 
will soon, with all this frame, lie motionless in the grave. 
The thought was sweet, for my spirit laid fast hold on 1 the 
resurrection and the life.' In his name I could look up to 
God, and cry Abba, Father. My Father smiled. Jesus 
looked upon me — the Spirit comforted me — my heart ex- 
ulted : O bless his name for ever. Such a view of Jesus 
and his cross— his sufferings and death— his resurrection 
and ascension — and his reigning power, I have seldom 
experienced. * * * 

' The hill of Zion yields 
A thousand sacred sweets.' 
15 



170 



MEMOIR. 



" The Lord bless thy soul ! The Lord fill thee with faith 
and with the Holy Ghost. But again the windows of hea- 
ven opened, while remembering the Lord's goodness to, 
and pleading for those we love God be blessed and praised 
for ever, for his goodness to them. * * * * 

" My friend, let us beware : we are surrounded by the 
world. Having been brought unto liberty, let us not be 
entangled with the yoke of bondage. Let us give all our 
time to the Lord, by being diligent in business and fervent 
in spirit ; and may what we have to do be well done. * * * 

" From the world we do not expect our joys. They 
flow from another source — a pure fountain. Let the world 
share but little of our mind — but little ! nay, we must not 
love the world at all. * Love not the world.' I believe you 
do not love the world — you delight in things heavenly. 
May you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the 
world ; and hold fast whereunto thou hast attained, and 
show out of a godly conversation that your citizenship and 
treasure are above. Then, whether your days be few or 
many, all will be well: God will be glorified, and your soul 
happy for ever." 

We give here an extract of a letter, dated Nassau-Hall, 
3d June, 1824, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. L. and family, 
principally on account of the revivals mentioned, and in 
which our young friend took much delight, and laboured 
with much success in promoting them : 

# # # # ( ( Little did I think that an absence from college 
of six weeks would take place, without the pleasure of asso- 
ciating, for a short time at least, with those friends I so much 
esteem, at Mill- Ham : but so it has been. The six weeks 
have gone by, and you have fared in this respect, as other 
circles of friends elsewhere. If you should ask me why % 
I have to answer that Providence detained me. 

" When I left Princeton, and knew not whither the Lord 
would lead me, to him I committed every thing, with the 
assurance that what I knew not then I should know after- 
wards. And be assured I was led in a way I had little 
thought of- — a way which has been, at the same time, both 
pleasant and profitable. Imagine me going from house to 
house, and in public, warning the impenitent to flee from the 
wrath to come: sometimes in one place, sometimes in another^ 
bearing testimony to the truth — seeing Christians alive in the 
cause of God s converts exulting, and sinners weeping. 



MEMOIR. 



171 



" I was located some time in Colchester, where, within six 
months, upwards of four hundred were hopefully born again. 
Were I with you, I could tell you of happy times in which 
the Lord blessed my soul abundantly — I could tell you of 
seasons when the people of God appeared to be refreshed 
from his presence. The Lord is still doing wonders in 
Connecticut : not only by scores, but by hundreds, are sin- 
ners nocking to Christ. In Wellington, they number up- 
wards of one hundred ; East Haddam, two hundred and fifty ; 
Old Haddam, seventy. North Lyme and Gilead were wit- 
nessing the commencement of a gracious work ; and yester- 
day I heard of another place — Meriden, twenty miles from 
Old Haddam, where the work had begun. In Hartford 
County, about a year since, there were about three hundred 
souls gathered in. But why speak of places at a distance % 
how is it at home % And in your own hearts ? Are you not 
encouraged? We should indeed bless the Lord, and take 
courage. * O that men would praise the Lord for his good- 
ness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.' 

" Since my return, the good shepherd has fed me in green 
pastures, and led me beside the still waters." 

How the ever-active benevolence and zeal of Mr. Taylor 
were continually manifesting themselves, may be seen in 
every thing he wrote: but perhaps in nothing more strikingly 
than in the following letter : 

11 Nassau-Hall, 6th June, 1824. 
"Affectionate and endeared Parents, 

" Your son is yet alive, and still the happy recipient of 
grace and love divine. You have doubtless had an account 
of our voyage to N. Y., which was rather long ; but perhaps 
the Lord meant it for good. In due time I arrived at Prince- 
ton, and found new cause for gratitude and praise to our 
heavenly benefactor. * * * * 

" Often have I recurred to the state of our family, and the 
families of M. H. since I left you. And I have inquired 
with myself, of their condition — how are they % You recol- 
lect the pleasing prospect among professors, when I bid you 
farewell. I was much encouraged; and still entertain the 
pleasing hope that new fire has been enkindled; and that 
what we then enjoyed was only the harbinger of good things 
to that people. As the Sabbath morning returns, I think 
of my father's house, and imagine an assembly of the neigh- 
15* 



172 



MEMOIR. 



bours, all uniting in songs of praise, and in earnest suppli- 
cation for God's rich blessing. When Friday evening 
arrives, I think of the appointed meeting for the people of 
God. And how cheering the thought that you have met 
with Jesus in your social assemblies, in your closets, and 
in the great congregation, 

" 1 trust I have not been imagining a vain thing. May 
you go on then, Tell those who love our Lord, that I bid 
them God speed. And as the time to do much for God has 
come, they have need to put forth their united effort for the 
accomplishment of the greatest good. There is yet remain- 
ing very much land to be possessed. And will they not go 
up and possess all the land ? Alas ! how many among 
you know not God ! How many prayerless families ! How 
many in which no one soul professes hope ! And can one 
professor of religion stand still and see souls perishing 
without an effort to save them? Can one lover of Jesus 
refrain, night or day, from praying and mourning in secret 
over such desolations ? Shall one be found idle, when so 
much is to be done? Shall one be sleeping at his post 
when the enemy stands thick around ? Shall all heaven be 
engaged to rescue sinners from going down to the pit, and 
shall the disciples of him who died and now reigns — shall 
the disciples of Jesus let sinners sink to hell ? It must not 
be. I hope better things of my brethren. Their exertions* 
I trust, will not only continue, but increase \ and increasing 
they will gather strength. O, be not weary in well doing ; 
and be determined to die in the cause — die, doing the will of 
our Father in heaven. * * # # Amidst other thoughts, I 
have often reflected on the condition of my relations and 
friends, How delightful to remember, that I have a father 
and mother, parents most dear, that love the Lord. 

" While on my mothers side, many have been brought to 
experience the same love ; the thought has occurred, how 
few on my father's side 1 * * * * Not only to you, but to 
me, also, this is a painful subject. During last winter my 
mind was much interested in their behalf, which drew forth 
many earnest supplications. ***** Is it not truly affect- 
ing ? I have tried to put myself in the place of my father, 
and to inquire, what if my brothers and sisters were with- 
out hope, and destitute of vital godliness? But while your 
offspring hare submitted to Christ, you have to mourn over 
the offspring of ycnr departed father, our beloved grand pa* 
rent, And do not your eyes run down with tears % Does 



MEMOIR. 



173 



not your heart oftentimes break within you, when you re- 
member that those brothers and sisters are out of Christ ? 
But what can be done for them % From me they are all far 
away. From you, with one exception, they are all at a 
distance. * # # But still something can be done. One 
thing we can do. Let me suggest that our united supplica- 
tions ascend to God, in good earnest, for the salvation of 
their souls. Hitherto I have not prayed for them as I ought 
to have done: and I wonder that it has been thus with me, 
Shall we then — all of us — our whole family, awake, and 
plead for them ? Who will say, Nay % Not one, Why 
may not salvation visit them and their houses ? Shall we 
on each Monday, then, remember them 'particularly ? and 
in our devotions continually % I need not wait your reply ; 
the suggestion is enough to interest your feelings ; and I 
hope a spirit of prayer will be poured out upon us, so that 
we shall wrestle and prevail, * * * # What we do, must 
be done quickly." 

To his friend, Mr. D., he wrote, on the 12th of June, a 
long letter, from which we copy the following passage, as 
meriting the practical regard of all, as especially those fol- 
lowers of Jesus Christ, to whose stewardship he has com- 
mitted much of the wealth of this world, to be used for his 
glory and the good of their fellow-creatures. 

" We look around and find * * that very much yet re- 
mains to be done for the conversion of sinners to God. * * * * 
And this should occupy us continually. How shall it be 
accomplished ? At once we perceive that a faithful minis- 
try is the great means of bringing sinners to Christ, Should 
this be an educated ministry? We know that an ignorant 
ministry is not sanctioned by the word of God. To be able 
to teach, one must be taught ; and to such as are able to 
teach, this ministry must be committed. But how shall 
they be taught % * * * * Do not our theological seminaries 
afford the best means for training men for this work ? But 
how are those to be supported who would thus prepare to 
serve God in the gospel of his dear Son % Here then is the 
point. If it be right to educate men for the holy office — if 
many are 'called of God, as was Aaron,' to prepare for this 
office, and are unable to defray the expenses attendant upon 
such a course, what must be done? It is true, 'the earth is 
the Lord's, and the fulness thereof j 1 hut of all which is his 
15* 



MEMOIR. 



own, he places much in the hands of men, to afford them an \ 
opportunity of showing their benevolence to the world. It 
requires about $150 to support a young man at one of our 
seminaries. $2,500, at six per cent., would produce this 
amount. **####*#* 

" The time is coming when we shall be no more. But if 
through our instrumentality, an object of this kind be ac- 
complished before we go hence, when we are beyond the | 
reach of doing good below, a scholarship will be the means 
of qualifying men for the vineyard of the Lord; and while 
we sleep in the dust, heralds of the cross * * shall go through 
the land — sound the gospel trump — give the alarm to thou- 
sands, and be the means, doubtless, of winning multitudes 
to Christ. O what a field here for exertion on our part ! And 
if ever to commence, shall we not begin now 1 In this way, 
one may more effectually preach the gospel than he could 
were he to live a thousand years. And let him know, that 
he. which convert eth a sinner from the error of his ways, shall 
save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins. How 
many to be converted ! How few to turn them from the error 
of their ways ! Shall we stand idle % While the Master 
waiteth, let us up and serve him." 

" Princeton, June 20th, 1824. 

" Your friend, Miss W , is yet in the land of the liv- 
ing, to praise the Lord. Indeed who should praise the Lord, 
and I not praise him? Who should love him, and I not 
love him % I who was once among the rebellious — as a sheep 
going astray, but who have been turned unto the Shepherd 
and Bishop of our souls. 

" Since I bade you farewell, and left your happy mansion, 
the good Shepherd has watched over me, and fed me richly. 
From time to time my soul has been refreshed by the Holy 
Ghost ; and I have felt, and felt powerfully, an indwelling 
God. This day at evening, I had an unction from the Holy 
One. The communion with the Father, and with his Son 
Jesus Christ, was sweet. And how sweet the savour that 
remains. The peace of God rules in my heart. Like a river 
it flows through the soul, /row God to God again. A mystery 
this to the ungodty, but known well to you, and to all who 
love God ; yes, to all who love God. People may talk about 
loving God — having his Spirit, and yet not feeling it. But 
to me there seems an inconsistency here : for methinks, that 
those who love God will have his Spirit, as a refiners fire, 



175 



and as a purifier of silver, moving upon their souls. And 
where the Spirit moves, it fires — -kindles up the graces of the 
Spirit — inflames the affections, and produces the tried gold 
of holy love, peace, and joy. As the soul sinks into the love 
of God, it sinks into humility, which is accompanied with 
unceasing prayer and thanksgiving, This is what I have 
experienced — Godis precious gift, and bestowed in gracious 
answer to my prayers. * * Not unto me, but to God, be all 
the glory for ever. What a consolation that there are those 
who can testify the same things, having enjoyed the same 
or greater manifestations of the love of God, to their once 
sin-bound souls ; but who are now brought into the liberty 
of the children of God. O that there wepe an host. But my 
dear friend, professors of religion, for the most part, love the 
world too much. Having so much of the love of the world 
in their hearts, they have not room for the love of God, 
Rather than be adorned with ' a meek and quiet spirit/ they 
prefer the ornaments conformable with fashion. Rather than 
walk humbly and near the Saviour, they choose to walk in 
a vain show with a proud heart. Rather than be in their 
closets mourning over their awful departure from God, and 
the desolations of Zion, they content themselves with a cold 
heartless recital of their deadness, which becomes so stale a 
story, that I am often discouraged, and in their behalf fear 
that their condition will never be bettered. Is it not so ? I 
am considerably in the world — -you much more. I witness 
much upon which I write vanity, while I listen to the vain 

i and worldly conversation of professors of religion. * * I say, 
when I hear the expressions of their admiration of the fa- 
shions and splendours of the world, how can I refrain from 

| exclaiming, ' How dwelleth the love of God in them P They 
talk of the things that give them pleasure, but say nothing 
of the work of grace in their souls. What think you of such ? 
Have they a name to live? And are they alive ? Themselves 
being judges, they must say, No. What saith the scriptures ? 
' Wo to them that are at ease in Zion.' ' Love not the world, 

I nor the things of the world. 5 To the soul that is elevated 
to God, there are nobler pursuits than these phantoms ; 
higher contemplations than earth's productions. Does not 
your heart find it so ? 

" But of the young ladies. Have they continued, and do 
they still continue unreconciled to God? Miss W., what 
will the end of these things be? I doubt not they share your 
affectionate expostulations and prayers, It is true they are 



176 



MEMOIR. 



in the morning of life ; and conscious of this, it may be often 
suggested, that when years shall have rolled away, they will 
make their peace with God. I doubt not that many now in 
hell had the same suggestion, and yielding to it, in some 
unexpected hour their lives were taken away. Let us con- 
template one of your young ladies deferring this important 
work for years ; say till she come to the verge of life. Then 
she is taken ill. She had enjoyed the pleasures of the world; 
but now, sick, and with the prospect of soon exchanging 
time for eternity, how palid that once blooming countenance ! 
how emaciated that once healthy, beauteous form ! And now 
we hear uttered in thrilling agony, * I have bartered away a 
life of piety for a life of unsatisfying pleasures ! Instead of 
the smiles of God, as my heavenly Father, I have to bear his 
frowns. My sin! Ah! my sin is my own folly! Of sin I 
was often warned — often prayed for — often wept over ; but 
my heart hardened under reproof. Ah! where am I now? 
Friends weep around, but they cannot help me. Soon this 
fast decaying frame will sink into the grave. But my soul ! 
My soul ! My soul is damned for ever.' Is it safe, then, to 
delay this great concern till then ? Is it safe to delay it a 
day? Will they not resolve to secure their salvation this 
moment ? It is, yes, it is important. To open the way of 
life to man, heaven's darling Son left the glory which he 
had with the Father ; he suffered, groaned, bled, and died 
for sinners. O that their hearts would melt — would break 
with humble penitence, and by faith lay hold on this Saviour 
and be saved." 

From the 20th of June to the 20th of July, we find many 
interesting records in Mr. Taylor's journal, containing an 
account of his communion with God, and his labours and 
prayers for the conversion of sinners, and his visits and 
efforts to comfort the afflicted — to prepare the dying for 
death, and the living to live to the glory of God. But they 
are all of a character so similar to what has already been 
presented to the reader, and to what remains to be presented, 
that we make only one or two extracts : 

"June 27th. — The morning succeeding * * found me 
shorn of my strength ; but at evening devotion I sunk at the 
feet of Jesus, and, Mary-like, bathed them with tears of hum- 
ble contrition. My soul again exulted in God. This pre- 
pared me for the worship of the sanctuary. I carried the 



MEMOIR. 177 

King of Zion enthroned in my heart, to the temple where 
he held his court. My soul melted there again. Heard 
Mr. Summerfield ; the secret of whose popularity, I think, 
lies much in his holiness of heart He has had a deep ex- 
perience in divine things, and doubtless knows from day to 
day what it is to have his lips touched with hallowed fire, 

" Sabbath, July 11th. — Have found this to be, of a truth, 
the Lord's day, for the Sabbath's Lord has been near. * * * 
For a few days past I have had less enjoyment than usual. 
The cause is obvious : I grieved the Holy Spirit the night 
after the last powerful blessing, which was five days ago. 
What a mercy that my backsliding has been healed. Bless 
the Lord for the healing balm — for the good Physician. 

" As I knelt in my usual place, the thought arose, this 
may be the last time I shall ever pray. My soul was hun- 
gering for the bread of life, and faith seemed almost ready 
to lay hold on a blessing. My heart soon melted into peni- 
tence, and tears ran down my eyes. Had abasing views of 
myself, and exalted views of God, as he is in himself, and 
in his relation to fallen man in general, and to his children 
particularly. My Father smiled, my soul was refreshed, and 
I could once more rejoice. O the liberty of the children of 
God ! * * * * Had a peculiar, and before unknown view of 
myself, as a candidate for the holy ministry. Rather than not 
have the approbation of Jesus, and the presence of Jesus — 
rather than not be taught of him, let my other qualifications 
be what they may, I would cease to pursue this object. 
Wherever I go, let him go up with me ; for through Christ 
strengthening me, I can do and bear all things." 

To the Rev. C. H , Mr. Taylor wrote as follows : 

" Nassau Hall, July 20th, 1824. 
" James, a servant of Jesus Christ, to his beloved brother 
Charles, now teaching publicly, and from house to house, 
testifying to every man repentance toward God, and faith in 
our Lord Jesus Christ. May great grace, mercy, and peace 
from ' God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, be 
multiplied unto you. And the very God of peace sanctify 
you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, 
and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who 
also will do it.' 

i 44 My dear brother, I address you from my 'Bethesda.' 




178 



MEMOIR. 



I say Bethesda, because this little room nas so often been 
a house of mercy to me, once lame and halt, weary and heavy 
laden. 

"Hither, shut out from the world, have I resorted — 
sought, found, and delighted in the Beloved. I might call 
it Pisgatfs top; but it is more, because of the manifestations 
of the Son of God to the most unworthy. A heavenly land 
has opened to my view. Through faiWs vision, earth has 
receded — and the soul has risen and entered the holy city — 
communed with saints and angels, sat down at the feet of 
Jesus, and sung hallelujahs to the Lamb. 

" My brother, I would not intrude upon you ; but the 
love of Christ constraineth me. I love you, because you 
love the Saviour, and his cause. I love you, and therefore 
write ; and I hope, that, for Christ's sake, this epistle may 
come to you with a blessing. 

" I might tell you of the gracious visitations of God's love 
to me, from time to time ; how happy in communion with 
my Saviour — how resigned to his will — of the sweet pros- 
pects of heaven and glory that have opened to my soul. But 
you would hear of the prosperity of Zion in the land of our 
fathers. 

"After reaching Middle Haddam, last April, I entered 
upon what I thought would be a pleasant route, to visit 
those places where the Holy Spirit had recently showered 
down a gracious rain. But the Lord hindered me. I stop- 
ped at Colchester, where my time was, to myself — and the 
last day will tell whether to others or not — -spent profitably. 
You can imagine in what way I was employed in the midst 
of the impenitent, the awakened, the anxious, young con- 
verts, and engaged Christians. [Here follows an account of 
the revival in Colchester, and other neighbouring places, 
already noticed.] But how is it with your people? Is the 
church awake ? Are your elders alive to the best interests 
of Zion? Are professors wrestling in secret for the ingather- 
ing of souls ? Is there a general mourning, with you, over 
the desolations of the church ? If not, what shall the end of 
these things be? O, how it would animate your heart to see 
Christians alert — to hear .sinners cry for mercy — to see them 
submitting to God— owning the Saviour — and uniting them- 
selves to the Lord's people. Be encouraged, for who can 
tell but a multitude of sinners may soon become, under your 
ministry, obedient to the faith. As it is your duty to labour 
for it, so it is your duty and privilege to look for it — to watch 



MEMOIR. 



179 



for it, more than they that watch for the morning. * * * * *. 

" I have become entirely contented with my present course. 
The good Shepherd scatters rich food as I travel in the wil- 
derness. My heart, too, is still, and more than ever, set upon 
the work of the ministry. To this one object I would have 
every acquisition tend. In the accomplishment of this one 
thing, I would live ; when it is done, I would die ; for hea- 
ven is the home of God's children. I think I am willing 
to do the will of God. When he commands, I would obey; 
when he calls, I would run. * * * * 

" Another watchman has fallen from the walls of Zion, to 
rise, Ave trust, to the city of our God. Mr. Whelpley is dead. 
When shall it be said brother H. is dead — when shall it be 
said of me, 'He is gone?' What I say unto you, I say unto 
all, toatch! An affectionate remembrance to Mrs. EL, and 
believe me, ut semper, yours in the best bonds, 

" James B. Taylor.' 7 

Mr. Taylor, who laboured to be an uncommon Christian, 
seems to have excelled, in a prevailing desire that Christians, 
in all their relations — should do their duty, should have 
large experience of the work of grace in their own souls. 

To a friend, in prospect of her marriage, he wrote : 

"It is probable you will be connected with Mr. 

Does he grow in grace? My friend, whatever else you 
leave unlooked after, see well to this ; see well to this, as you 
value his usefulness ; as you value your own and his hap- 
piness. I do not command; I exhort; O be faithful — kindly 
faithful. If he be a man of God, he will ever thank you ; 
- he will love you the more for such faithfulness. Talk much 
and pointedly upon experimental godliness." * * * * 

To one from whom he had received a friendly gift, Mr. T. 
wrote : 

" 30th July, 1824. — In heaven, I have not the least doubt 
you will rejoice for helping one on his way to the ministry. 
Help by your prayers, and thus speed me on my way." 

On the subject of fasting, (a duty too little practised in 
• the church, and sometimes abused to their injury, by per- 
sons of much piet} r , but of a morbid temperament,) Mr. Tay- 
lor made, about this time, the following note in his journal; 
16 



180 



MEMOIR. 



" A day of abstinence. Heretofore I have practised fast- 
ing, on a particular day, for more than two years ; and have 
found some of the seasons greatly beneficial. But fasting, 
connected with my usual studies* has greatly debilitated my 
body, and left me generally with a severe headache, which 
has led me to the conclusion that, under existing circum- 
stances, it is not my duty to abstain altogether" 

This conclusion, which was certainly wise, gives good 
proof, among many other things, that Mr. Taylor's high 
religious feelings, in which perhaps he surpassed almost all 
persons of his day, were not connected with that sickly sen- 
timentalism, nor that nervous excitement, which are fre- 
quently mistaken for piety, but are, in reality, nearly allied 
to madness. No man was farther removed from gloomy 
austerity, or relied less upon either his feelings or duties. 
Indeed the evidence is perfectly conclusive, that his religion 
was removed to the greatest possible distance from those 
wretched counterfeits of spirituality which go under the 
names of fanaticism and enthusiasm. This evidence will be 
collected by every attentive reader of this memoir, as it will 
be found in the fact, that in his highest exercises of devotion, 
when his whole soul was filled with the love of God, and 
his countenance made luminous with the holy fire that burnt 
within, he at the same time entertained the most humbling 
views of himself, as a sinner saved by grace ; and was ever 
ready to say, in the language of Paul, ' by the grace of God, 
I am what I am. 5 

How he acknowledged the hand of God in all his ways 
— referred all events to divine providence, and relied upon 
the grace of God, may be seen in the following extract from 
his journal : — 

" 7th August, 1824. — Met with a disappointment in not 
visiting my friends at L. It was attended with a blessing, 
and I concluded it would still be followed with a train of 
blessings. The disappointment was unexpected, and from 
a source too, that was calculated to excite strong feeling. — 
But grace abounded. 

" 8th. Abundant reason to bless God for my detention 
yesterday. Last evening had an opening for doing good, 
and eternity may show some fruit. — Visited several sick 
persons, and at every place endeavoured to speak faithfully 
and boldly for God, and afterwards at a meeting. 



MEMOIR. 



181 



"9th. * * * * This night, glory to our God, had 
a powerful visitation from above — it is past telling — and it 
was to prepare me to stand up for God. This I did, and spoke 
boldly ; the word was attended with power, and the Spirit 

of power and holiness rested on me. Sinners trembled 

backsliders too — and the engaged child of God exulted. 
Had I not been detained, where were all that has come 
upon me and been communicated through me, since the 7th. 
Appointed another meeting at the request of the people. 

" 1 1th. ■ Who will take the first honour V 4 Did he do 
well V <fec, in this season of examination ran through the 
crowd ; but grace so gained the victory over me as to ena- 
ble me to look down upon these meaner things, and say, these 
are not my God. No : the honour from above I seek, and 
to my studies let me go, as to a duty for Christ's sake ; and 
for the honour of the gospel. 

" Felt a strong attachment to the word of God — and over 
that word — as the legacy of my friend on high, I cherished 
my attachment, and my soul sunk low at the feet of Jesus, 
and I drank from the fountain. # # * * 

" Went out and visited the sick. I love my Master and 
my Master's work. I love to comfort his people — I love to 
talk to sinners. Lord, help. Lord teach thou me, and bless 
me more and more. I can look upon this day's blessings, 
as arising from my detention last Saturday, and it will pro- 
bably prove in time to come, a link in the chain of provi- 
dence not to be told. Let me look at providence in small as 
well as great things, and wonder and adore. 

" 25th. — The chain is gathering links — little did I think 
that so much depended upon my disappointment on the 7th. 
Last Monday evening attended the appointed meeting, and 
had a refreshing time ; and last Monday evening, the people 
of God testified that it was heaven to be there. Did not feel so 
happy myself, but had liberty to speak a word in season to 
the people. 

" How exalted the privilege to help forward the children of 
God heavenward — even Ethiopia's degraded children. 0,that 
they maybe seen all of them stretching forth the hand untoGod. 

" Find employment in visiting the sick poor. # * * Called 
to see a coloured-woman. She is happy in God, in the prospect 
of death. * * * Had an opportunity to converse with a beggar ; 
prayed with him, and presented him with a Testament and the 
last sixpence I had in my pocket. The thought arose, give 
this away, and what will you do to-morrow ? But stay : 
16 



182 



MEMOIR. 



1 My wants to day are all supplied, 
To-morrow, it may be said, he died.' 

44 O for more confidence in God — God is able to make all 
grace abound towards you ; 'that you always having all 
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.' 
2 Cor. ix. 8. 

" 27th. A door opened for me to exert myself for a poor 
child of God — put in two cents, the very last mite I sup- 
posed I had — the word of God came, ' Give, and it shall be 
given unto you' — went out and begged more, and with this 
and a needed garment, went as the almoner of heaven, and 
delivered up the contribution. 1 Naked, and ye clothed 
me.' * * * * 

" 28th. # * * Providence seems to open the door 
still wider for my prospective usefulness among the poor — and 
the question arose, shall I live in Princeton five years; and 
Princeton be none the better for me ? 

" A new plan opened to my mind, upon the prosecution 
of which, I entered to night — Open, Lord, my eyes — I am 
tired of waiting for others — there are labourers enough all 
around, but they dont come into the vineyard to work. Let 
me be up and doing constantly, faithfully, firmly. 

" Opened a small trunk, and unexpectedly found ninepen ce. 
Is not this gospel measure ? If a merchant had 92000 at 
evening, and gave it away, and the next day should find 
himself in possession of 89000, would he not consider it an 
increase running over ? Mine is as much in proportion, 
and how often is abundance poured into my hand?" 

From Mr. Taylors correspondence during the latter part 
of this month, we here give a few extracts. To his Chris- 
tian sister, Miss W., of New York, in communion with whom 
he took much delight, he wrote on the 25th, as follows : — ► 

" O, Miss W., what a truth ! ' God is love and I feel the 
indescribable weight of this truth resting upon my soul. 
To the world and to the formalist, I know indeed that these 
are unmeaning words ; but my friend can rejoice that God 
has imparted the knowledge of this hidden mystery to me, 
and is building me up in faith and holiness. Holiness ! O, 
what charms in the very word ! God is holy — angels are 
holy — saints in glory are holy — and ' without holiness no 
one shall see the Lord/ * # * O, to be more like our 
blessed Jesus — more like God, 



MEMOIR. 



183 



" I still address you from my Bethesda — a house of mercy 
to the most unworthy. My study is about five feet square ; 
and yet I can sing, 



: This little room, for me design'd, 
Suits as well my easy mind 
As palaces of kings.' 



" I hope God is training me for something : I trust it is 
either to labour for him on earth, or to take me to himself. 
To labour for him now, is sweet, increasingly sweet; and 
O, He is with me. At home and abroad, Jesus stands by 
me — the Spirit comforts me — my Father smiles — so, 



" Let the world have these. Let the professor of religion 
who indulges in them, wish me to join him : but God for- 
bid ; for, were I to indulge, even in what by some are called 
innocent pleasures, my spiritual joys would be gone. And 
for this I am spoken of and that too by professors of the re- 
ligion of Jesus. But what is it to be judged of man's judg- 
ment ? My witness and record are on high. — By censuring 
for this, they censure me for doing the work of the Lord. 
The spare time I have from my college duties, I would 
rather spend with the sick — the indigent ; and that too, to 
win souls. And my prospect for doing good is much great- 
er in huts and smoky cabins, than in the drawing-rooms of 
rich and thoughtless worldlings. They are joined to 
their idols. # * # O, pray that I may firmly and devotedly 
do the work of the Lord, caring neither for their contempt 
nor their applause ; alike indifferent to popularity and perse- 
cution. And may our efforts be to turn men from sin to 
holiness. ****** 

u Glory to our heavenly Father, for his rich grace through 



faith.' This is the way, the only way, of salvation. And 
it is a sweet way — the way of holiness — the way to 
heaven." 

To a female relative, for whom, as for all his relations, 
Mr. Taylor's heart seemed ever to overflow with affection, 
he wrote an interesting letter, from which we make an ex- 
tract, well calculated to instruct and reprove those professors 



* Tell me no more of earthly toys, 
Of sinful mirth and carnal joys, 
The things I loved before.' 




1 By grace are ye saved, through 



16* 



184 



MEMOIR, 



of religion, who, like the creaking door upon its hinges, 
ever complain, and yet make no progress. 

" Nassau Hall, Aug. 28th, 1824, 

" Dear R — — , 

" My soul blesses our heavenly Parent for the affection 
I bear to you, both natural and Christian. Instead of di- 
minishing, it gathers strength ; and, I trust, it is to be per- 
fected in a fairer clime. ****** 

" Having the same round of duties from day to day, you 
will readily conclude that I can have little news to commu- 
nicate ; but there is a theme to which our hearts have been 
attuned. — We love the Saviour — we love his cause. But 
whence is it, that we have been turned to the Shepherd and 
Bishop of our souls ? We love God, because he first loved 
us. Here is the solution of what would otherwise be an 
unfathomable depth, and forever remain a mysteTy. 

" Having been extricated from the miry clay, and our 
feet set upon a rock, what manner of persons ought we to 
be in all holy conversation ! Surely as He who hath called 
us is holy, so ought we to be holy. 

" What are the signs of the times ? Is much said about 
religion, for and against it? Where is the host that/eeZ — 
that talk — that live religion? Alas, the constant harping 
of professors of religion upon their formality, coldness, stu- 
pidity, want of life ! Why, in the name of my Master, are 
they not before God, on their knees, in their closets, mourn- 
ing over their declension ? They need not tell the world 
of their indifference. It is already too evident. And the 
world sees it with astonishment. The world knows it to 
their (I was going to say) damnation! It is true: for 
sinners plead as their excuse, the ungodliness of professors. 

" May it be ours to walk worthy of our vocation. We owe, 
indeed, ten thousand talents to the Lord ; and I feel that I 
have nothing to pay. And after all I shal] have done, and 
can do s I am an unprofitable servant; and can only say, 

' I the chief of sinners am ? 
But Jesus died for me.' 

" Surrounded as you are by multiplied cares, I presume 
you steal away now and then from all, to hold converse 
with God in secret. If any where, it is with God in secret 
the soul must prosper ; and there, if denied all things else, 
the child of God finds a Father, a Saviour, a Comforter, 



MEMOIR, 



185 



a friend, a brother. May you find your retirements places 
and seasons of washing and renewing of the Holy Ghost. * * * 

" How are all at ? I have taken an interest in 

that people ; not because they are Episcopalians ; no more 
than I would in Presbyterians, because they are such : 
but because some of them appeared to have the spirit of 
Christ. And I think I have been brought to this, to seek 
to have Christians more holy ; and sinners, yet unconverted, 
brought to Christ. Away with names! away for ever! 
The child of God is my brother, my sister. The sinner, 
my fellow-sinner. The former let me love and serve, as of 
the household of faith. The latter let me labour to bring, 
where we would be, at the feet of Jesus. And here at his 
feet we must lie, if on his throne we would sit down. * # * 

" I might tell you that I have some pleasant retreats into 
the huts and smoky cabins of the poor of this region. And 
there, too, in some instances, piety in its most radiant form 
is seen to shine forth. I should like to have you at some 
of my little meetings. The children of the highest seem 
happy, and I am happy in doing them good. Thus let me 
live ; thus let us live — thus let us die. 

" You have witnessed much of the bustle about Lafayette. 
He is a great man ; worthy of esteem. But in reading the 
account of his landing, and reception in your city, I thought 
of our Jesus, the So?i of God, and inquired, if He should 
appear, who would go out to meet him, and help him? 
Who helped him through the land of Judea? But his tri- 
umph was great. Let us strive to be good" 

To a beloved Christian brother, who had recently visited 
a place where God was blessing the church with a glorious 
revival of religion, Mr. Taylor wrote a letter, abounding 
with pointed interrogatories, such as every Christian should 
attentively consider, and especially when the tone of piety 
is low, and a state of backsliding appears in the church, 
From this valuable letter, bearing date the 1st September, 
we make the following extract : 

" Having been in the midst of so powerful a work of 
God's Spirit, you have doubtless returned with an increased 
solicitude for the Zion with which you are so happily con- 
nected. Do you not find, that it is the delight of your pastor 
to preach the word with all plainness ? How are you blessed 
in having an overseer so desirous of the welfare of souls ! 
16* 



186 



MEMOIR. 



And be assured, you cannot pray for him too much. The 
apostle said, ' Brethren, pray for us.' Could you follow 
your pastor, you would see that in all his labours, his heart 
cries out, ' Brethren, pray for me} 

" Inquiring concerning the pastor, naturally leads to in- 
quire after the flock. ***** How is it then with the 
sheep ? How is it with you, my brother ? Instead of 
engagedness, you may have become cold. Have you eloped, 
from those green pastures in which you were wont to feed % 
Have you left those refreshing streams, of which it was your 
delight to drink? Ah! what comparison do the gaudy 
weeds of the world bear to the sweet herbage which the 
good Shepherd has provided ? And who would choose the 
turbulent streams of sense, in preference to * the still waters' 
of his love? But I hope better things of you: — that you 
still walk with God ; and follow the Lamb, whithersoever 
he goeth. 

" Many sheep compose the flock with which you feed. 
Are they all in health? and do their souls prosper? Do 
they feed contentedly, and live healthfully? In a large 
flock, how often are some sick ; how many wander, and go 
astray ? What dissatisfaction with themselves, and all 
around them, arising from unfaithfulness on their part, to 
God, to their own souls, and the souls of their brethren ? 

" Were I with you at one of your little meetings, methinks 
I would ask my brethren, and say to each, Is it well with 
thee ? Is it well with thee ? As my soul rejoices in the pros- 
perity of Zion, how would my praise awake at an answer 
in the aflirmative ! How would I send forth my voice in 
words of exhortation, to the brothers or sisters in a luke- 
warm state ! And I would ask, What profit is there in rob- 
bing God ? What advantage in loving the world ? What 
peace in dishonouring the Prince of peace, by indulging in 
sin ? for it is sin, soul-blinding sin — sin, soul-harrassing sin, 
beloved sin, soul-damning sin, that has veiled the Sun of 
righteousness ; that has sent fearful forebodings of wrath 
into the soul, and stamped condemnation where once was 
light — where once was peace, reconciliation, and heaven. 
Were my soul in such a condition, would you not say to 
me, ' Return, thou backslider, rove no longer ; seek the Lord 
with thy whole heart?' And I would say further, Look, 
precious soul, if thou hast ever had grace in thy heart, how 
art thou fallen ! Do you not fear a final removal of the 
candlestick from its place ? O, dishonour God, your heavenly 



MEMOIR. 



187 



Father, no longer; wound your Saviour no more; grieve 
not the Holy Spirit ; come and confess; bow with penitence; 
mourn with bitterness ; plead with faith ; procure pardon, 
peace, and holiness ; be determined to have no more to do 
with sinful conformity to the world, cost what it may ; make 
no compromise with self ; have no league with Satan ; in a 
word, deny thyself take up thy cross, and follow Christ ; — 
then you will show to the world that Christ Jesus, as you 
profess, is all ; sinners will take warning at your example 
and precept; saints will commune with you ; God will bless,, 
and heaven finally receive your happy soul. Are convictions 
multiplied among you % Do sinners in Zion tremble % 

" I have much reason to praise our heavenly Father that 
he hath kept me hitherto. He hath indeed made my little 
room a Bethesda to my soul. Grace, mercy, and peace, have 
been multiplied unto me ; and I now bless the Lord, and 
take courage for time to come. Having been blessed of God, 
it is our privilege — it is our duty— to look for greater bless- 
ings. From day to day may we4>e baptized with the Holy 
Ghost and with fire. The Lord send down his holy unction, 
and make us, more than ever, fit temples for himself to dwell 
in. Then we shall rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, 
and in every thing give thanks. 

" My affectionate salutations to the brethren, 
" Farewell. 

" James B. Taylor." 

We now return to Mr. Taylor's journal, in which we 
notice the same uniform communion with God, the same 
watchfulness over his own heart, and tho same promptness 
to seize every opportunity of being useful to the souls of his 
fellow-creatures. 

His fond affection for his parents and friends cannot for , 
a moment be called in question ; and yet, though he had not 
enjoyed their society for five or six months, and was on his 
way to spend the college vacation at home, when he arrived 
in New York, "and found," to use his own words, "things 

interesting under the labours of brother L , in the 

Rev. Mr. Patton's church, the pastor being absent, and 
labourers needed, I, upon solicitation, joined brother L— — - 
for a season. At the resurrection of the just, it will be 
known how many have been gathered in. On one evening 
thirteen expressed hope. The Lord bless the lambs of the 
flock." 



188 



MEMOIR. 



At the commencement of the college session, we find the 
following entry in his journal: 

" Last night the Lord gave me — I cannot express it — such 
an exercise as I never had before : a view of the demerit of 
sin that sunk me lower than the lowest. * * And yet my 
soul exulted in God. 

11 Thus have I begun. May I find my winter location 
better than ever before — my health and my all are at God's 
disposal. 

11 14th Nov.— Upon a review of the past week I find it 
fraught with loving kindness from the Lord. ! Last evening 
had a delightful season in remembering the lambs of the 
flock in Mr. P.'s church, with whom I used to meet on Sa- 
turday evenings. I love them for the love they bear to Jesus, 
the Lamb of God. 

" At evening devotion, had a singular exercise. While 
singing, my soul thirsted for a blessing. The thought sud- 
denly entered my mind : ' If you neglect your tea, you may 
obtain the blessing which you seek. 5 I inquired whence is 
this ? Is it from God, or from the devil ? — But I concluded 
that the Lord's blessing came not by a purchase of mine, and 
therefore that he could as well bless me then as afterwards ; 
and I determined to throw myself at his feet and seek his 
favour, and thus defeat the adversary who was ready to cheat 
me out of the blessing. My Father smiled upon me — the 
work of grace was deepened — and my soul fed on manna 
from above." 

To pious students Mr. Taylor has left an illustrious exam- 
ple. So generally has there been manifested a sad decline in 
the life and fervour of piety in their college course, that the 
mischievous notion has obtained currency, and exerted a dis- 
astrous influence, that it is impossible in such circum- 
stances to live a devoted life and to make progress in religion. 
This subject, before adverted to, is one of so much importance 
to the cause of piety, that as often as it comes up in the life 
of this devoted young man, we feel constrained to call the 
particular attention of students to its serious and practical 
consideration. To a pious family, to whom he frequently 
poured out all his heart, after giving a delightful narrative 
of what the Lord was doing for his soul from day to day, 
he wrote : 



MEMOIR. 



189 



" Do not you rejoice that God has kept me hitherto ? 
With your rejoicing, connect a doubling of your prayers 
that I may so live as to testify that the world is mistaken in 
the opinion, that God cannot be enjoyed in a course of study. 
If I do not grow in grace now, when shall I ?" 

It is both delightful and instructive to observe, that, while 
he was striving continually to grow in grace and in the 
knowledge of Christ, and so to let his light shine that others, 
seeing his good works, might glorify his heavenly Father, 
he seemed almost as much engaged that others should walk 
worthy of God unto all pleasing. 

To a beloved friend he wrote, 

"30th Nov. 1824. 

******* Has your soul been in health and prospered % 
I could wish to be near you and hear the reply. * * * * * 

44 Did you ever question whether I have been truly con- 
verted ? Perhaps you may have seen many things in me 
which might lead to such a conclusion : but if not to this, to 
another, viz. that I could not love God much, or that I 
showed to the world an ungodly walk and conversation. 
Well, I am ready to acknowledge my errors; will you 
point them out to me? I will take it as the highest mark 
of your affection for me, and love to the cause of Christ, if 
you will tell me plainly all that you may have seen amiss 
in me. And would you not wish your friends to do the 
same to you? — But rather than offend you, I would get 
down at your feet, and say, what I purpose to write. 

"My dear friend, for whom I have prayed, and groaned, 
and wept ; as before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, I must 
warn you. Do you say of what? Pause and think. Do 
you find nothing out of the way ? What meaneth that light- 
ness in your walk and conversation ? Does it fit you for 
prayer in secret ? Does it adorn the Christian ? Does it 
tell the world that you love religion — that your thoughts are 
much on God and heaven ? Does it show that the soul is 
walking with God ? that you maintain close and intimate 
communion with God ? * * * * This may be the last time 
I may be permitted to write to you. My hand may be in 
the grave : and I may now be too late — my friend may have 
died. If alive, bear with my faithfulness ; for it is in love, 
as I expect to meet you at the bar of Jesus Christ. What 
meaneth these things ? O, I urge you, I pray you — in 



190 



MEMOIR. 



Christ's stead I beseech you, to judge. But what saith the 
scriptures % 1 Let every one that nameth the name of Christ 
depart from iniquity.' Is it not iniquity to disobey God ? 
And it is by keeping his commandments we know that we 
are born of God and love him. The Saviour says, 1 If ye 
love me, keep my commandments.' * * * # # - As he that 
hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con- 
'versatio?i. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, 
but as wise. Wo unto you that laugh now, for ye shall 
weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning. Let 
not jesting nor foolish talking be once named among you. 
Let all bitterness, and wrath,a.n& anger, and clamour, and evil 
speaking, be put away from you with all malice? Thus, my 
dear friend, you see the will of the Lord concerning us. * * 
May I and may you be freed from every unhallowed thought, 
word, and action, and put on, as the elect of God, bowels of 
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffer- 
ing ; but above all things, put on charity — that the peace 
of God may rule in our hearts. 

" My friend, if you are not satisfied with your hope, rest 
not till God shall speak your sins forgiven, and you shall 
know that you are the Lord's. ******** Come, 
let us set out afresh, examine ourselves, and rectify all that is 
w T rong. To do this, we must find out the wrong, bring it before 
God, confess it, mourn over it, plead for Christ's sake for 
pardon, and wait for salvation. Do you pray for me ; I will 
pray for you ; and let us strive to enter in at the strait gate." 

The genuineness of Mr. Taylor's Christian character, and . 
the elevation and enlargement of his Christian love, are very 
pleasantly and instructively exhibited in the fact, that his 
soul paused not at all at those barriers which sectarianism 
has raised- between the different denominations' of Christ's 
disciples. Christ was the object of his affections; and 
w r herever he saw the spirit and image of his blessed Master, 
thither his heart flowed out. In the saints, the excellent of 
the earth, was his delight ; accordingly, we find much of his 
correspondence, in which glowed the purest flame of Christian 
love, was with those who bore names different from his own. 

The following extracts are from a letter of this description, 
and are worthy of being recorded, not only for the above reason 
that it shows the love he bore to Christians of another denomi- 
nation, but because of the regard, which, in his religion, he 
had to the word of God as his infallible guide and instructor: 



MEMOIR. 



191 



"Nassau Hall, Dec. 5th, 1824. 

" Brethren beloved : * 

"Does not the same affection actuate us toward one 
another, that filled the soul of the apostle towards his bre- 
thren at Rome, when he said, * I would have you wise 
towards that which is good, and simple concerning evil?' 
How like this is our Saviour's precept, ' Be wise as serpents, 
and harmless as doves. 7 

" While reading the other day the former passage in con- 
nexion with the context, I thought of my brethren. * Now 
I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions 
and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, 
and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord 
Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and- by good words -and 
fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your 
obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad, there- 
fore, on your behalf ; but yet I would have you wise unto 
that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Andjhe 
God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.' 
With the apostle I add the prayer, ' The grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.' 

" But whence this wisdom ? What saith the word % 1 The 
holy scriptures are able to make you wise unto salvation, 
through faith which is in the Lord Jesus Christ.' Again, 
' The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.' 
How shall it be attained % ' The letter killeth, but the spirit 
maketh alive.' How many read, and Mill are blinded ! * B at 
if any man' — any Presbyterian man, or any Church man, or 
any Methodist man, or Baptist man, or any other man, 'lack 
wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally to every 
man, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him.' Here 
then is the source, the word of God, accompanied by the 
Spirit of God illuminating the mind, and working power- 
fully in the soul. And the effect will be, wisdom that is pro- 
fitable to direct, and the harmlessness of the dove. 

" Let us appeal to the experience of those who can testify. 
But for the truth, the word of God, what knowledge of sal- 
vation could we have? But for the medium of access to 
God, the way of the sinner's return being plainly marked 
out, who before us, or with us, but would, like the benighted 
in heathen lands, feel after God in vain? But for the com- 
mand, ' Repent,' who would ever think of it ? And unless 
convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, by the 
17 



192 



MEMOIR. 



Spirit of God, who would be broken hearted? But for the 
Lamb of God, held out for the taking away of sin, who would 
ever believe to the justifying and sanctifying of their souls ? 
Here we see something of the value of the word and Spirit 
of God, so much slighted by the world. ' Whoso is wise, 
and will observe these things, even they shall understand 
the loving-kindness of the Lord.' 

" In the sense of the scripture, then, it seems that that per- 
son is void of understanding, who knows not its commands, 
and the blessing consequent upon obedience, which blessing 
is the lovingk-indness of the Lord. 

" Do we read — repent — believe. Marvel not that I said 
unto thee, ye must be born again. Walk before me, and be 
ye perfect. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts ; and live 
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart. If we may expunge 
one of these, may we not expunge them all ? But by so 
doing, we take our names from the book of life. How 
much better to yield obedience ! How much better ! O how 
sweet ! The soul that has been at the feet of Jesus, wishes 
to be often there ; for he knows the peace of God that pass- 
eth knowledge. He that hath this experience, hath what 
chaseth away all his fears, save the holy filial fear of 
offending a holy, loving, indwelling Father— the loyal 
fear that wishes to be submissive at the feet of King Jesus, 
who rules on the throne of his kingdom, set up in the soul — 
the sacred fear that trembles at the thought of disturbing the 
hallowed breathings of that Spirit, whose temple is the body 
of the saint. How harmless such guests would make the 
soul ! This fear is the fruit of love — and love is the fulfill- 
ing of the law. Well, this is all we want, that is, in kind. 
We want, and shall for ever want ; and we may for ever 
have more, in measure, of God's love. O may we sink — 
sink, and sink, and sink into this ocean ; for this (a paradox to 
the world,) is the way to rise ; and it will carry us higher 
than the stars, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you who 
are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto (a full 
and eternal) salvation. We will talk of the rest when we 
shall walk the golden streets. Ah ! shall we see each 
other there ? If you do not get so high above me that I 
cannot reach you. By the grace of God I hope to shine 
forth even there — a sinner saved by grace. * * * * 

44 A Christian salutation to sister W. and the brethren R. 



MEMOIR. 



193 



and R., whom, with yourselves, I beseech, for the Lord 
Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye 
strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me. 

" Farewell. In the best bonds, your brother, in our 
Lord Jesus Christ, James B. Taylor." 

We shall close this year with pretty copious extracts of 
three or four letters to different persons : the first of which 
is addressed to a coloured woman, who has gone to her rest 
at the advanced age of 1 16 years — whom Mr. Taylor seems 
to have regarded as one of the excellent of the earth, in 
whom he delighted. 

" Aunt Sarah, perhaps, is expecting to hear from her friend 
Mr. Taylor. Could I be with you for an hour, we would 
converse upon things that pertain to the kingdom; but 
you have a Friend on high, who deigns to visit your little 
room — nay, who takes up his abode in your heart — He has 
brought his Father with him; and the Holy Ghost, whom he 
promised to send, overshadows and fills you. By and by, 
you will exchange your cottage for a palace ; you will lay 
aside your garments below, * to walk in white above.' 
Instead of prayer, you will be all praise. Instead of seeing 
Jesus by faith, you will see him as he is, face to face. Do 
you not exult in the prospect of dying— dying in the arms 
of Jesus, and of going to your Father, God % There, too, 
you will meet those who died in the faith, and some with 
whom you have sung, and prayed, and wept below. And 
this is the sweetness of it — the place, the scene, will never 
close. * # Those that enter in shall go no more out. 

" You will be glad to hear that the Lord blesses me with 
his presence — my soul is in health and prospers — still help 
me in your prayers for me, that I may indeed be a man of 
God — and in whom God will delight to dwell — and one whom 
God will deign to honour in bringing sinners to Christ. 

" Should the Lord continue you, I trust you will have a 
happy new year; but if he should take you hence, it will 
be thrice happy. Farewell, 

" J. B. Taylor. 

"Princeton, 24th Dec, 1824." 

Of the same date, but a little in anticipation of the time, 
we find Mr. Taylor's new year's letter to his parents, brothers, 
and sisters, from which we make some extracts ; 
17 



194 



MEMOIR, 



" Nassau Hall, 24th December, 1824. 
" Endeared Pare/its, Brothers, and Sisters, 

" The time has arrived for my annual gift ; and, in anti- 
cipation, I wish you a happy new year. Should it not be 
realized on earth, who of us doubts but it would be enjoyed 
at the right hand of God? 

1 There everlasting spring abides, 

And never withering flowers : 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 

This heavenly land from ours/ 

w To say that this may be the last epistle of this kind that 
I shall write, you know is to say what the closing year natu- 
rally suggests. But it may be that the Lord of the vineyard 
has designed me as an under-dresser. 

" The close of the year generally finds men of business 
engaged in adjusting their accounts. Would it not be well 
for us, as stewards in the house of God, and transacting busi- 
ness for our unseen Lord, to inquire of each other, * How 
much owest thou unto my Lord V My father, my brother, 
my sister, how much owest thou ? James, son, and brother, 
how much owest thou ? 

" How great is our debt as a family ! In common with 
other families, we have enjoyed food, and raiment, and house, 
and home, and friends. The same social privileges, the same 
civil and religious liberty, have been given unto us as to our 
neighbours. And under heaven where is there a family 
more blessed with fellow-feeling — more united to advance one 
another to the upper kingdom? What hath God wrought V 
To him be all the glory. 

" But the past year has been fraught with loving kind- 
nesses and tender mercies. His mercy ! O it reacheth to 
the clouds. 

" Not less as individuals, than as a family, do we owe 
unto the Lord. In looking over the past year, what a train 
of good hath followed, and in good order ? Prosperity 
hath been in the borders of each. How it hath been with 
you in particular circumstances you will remember upon a 
review. What health continued — what dangers escaped — 
what trials have been sanctified to wean you from the world 
— what lessons learned by experience, whereby we are able 
to do more, and with greater facility, for God and each other 
— what seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord 
both in secret, in the family, and in the great congregation ! 



MEMOIR. 



195 



"As for me, the Lord, that heareth the young ravens when 
they cry, and taketh care of the sparrows, hath heard and 
taken care of me. As fully and as seasonably as he hath 
remembered them, so hath he administered to me. Yes, I 
have not wanted any good thing — I have all and abound. 
How unlike my blessed Master ! When wandering up and 
down, he had not where to lay his head. But he makes 
my couch for repose, and imparts sweet sleep — and besides, 
as a pillow softer than down, he gives me to lean upon his 
arm and rest on his bosom. It is impossible for me to de- 
scribe the communion into which he hath admitted me with 
himself, during the past year. 

" Have we not all been ripening for heaven ? How much 
have we grown in grace, and better acquaintance with our 
own hearts and with our God ? 

" How much owe we unto our Lord ? 1 More than ten 
thousand talents.' And what have we to pay? All that we 
have, does it not belong to God ? How then shall the debt 
be cancelled ? We must not say, Lord, be patient, and I will 
pay thee all ; but fall down and rejoice that for Christ's 
sake God hath forgiven all our sins — the whole debt. For 
one, I feel constrained to say, thou hast in love to my soul 
delivered it from the pit of corruption, for thou hast cast 
all my sins behind thy back. 

" Let it be our aim to keep ourselves in the love of God. 
God is love ; and love is the fulfilling of the law. Love, then, 
should be the reigning passion of our souls. This is the 
grace that never faileth. 

" Respecting ourselves as a family, and as individuals, if 
we 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,' 
we may expect the good hand of our God still to be upon 
us for good, in this the house of our pilgrimage. Whatever 
then is neglected, let not our souls suffer. But I think, as our 
souls are in health and prosper, so our daily business will 
succeed, and that to the glory of God. And may those com- 
mitted to our care, be greater sharers in our exertions, as 
though the next were to be our last year ; for indeed if not to 
all, it may prove such to some. Let us each inquire, 4 Lord, is 
it I V May we strive together more in our prayers for one 
another. On Mondays I think of you all more particularly 
than at other times ; and I have had nearness of access to 
God in pleading for those I love. 

44 Who can tell but we may contrive something new, where- 
by to do good ; or exert ourselves more in pursuing former 
17* 



195 



MEMOIR. 



plans 7 Let us in all things live to God ; and eat, drink, sleep, 
and act for his glory. 

" The succeeding year may prove to be a jubilee to mul- 
titudes of souls. For this our prayer, not our words merely, 
should ascend, for our own sanctification, and for the puri- 
fication of the church, visible also. Let us, as much as in 
us lies, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the help- 
less. As for our enemies, love them and do them good : for 
did not Christ manifest his love for us, while we were ene- 
mies ? He died for the ungodly. Let us be peace-makers. 
Be kindly affeetioned one toward another. Love as brethren. 
If in life we are undivided, cemented in love, in death we 
shall not be sundered. * * May you all find the grace of 
hope filling you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye 
may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
And should I sink, as I deserve, may you rise to life. * * 
The Lord give you, every one, an entrance abundantly into 
his everlasting kingdom ; and there may our united halle- 
lujahs resound to God and the Lamb forever and ever. If 
not before, I hope to meet you in one of the many mansions. 
11 Adieu. 

" Your affectionate son and brother, 

" James B. Taylor." 

"Princeton, December 23, 1824. 

" Notwithstanding my long silence, my thoughts have 
often flown across hill and dale to your habitation, with the 
inquiry, how is it with M. A. % 

" Doubtless it has been well with you all the day long. Had 
I before me this evening a view of your exercises since we 
parted, perhaps I should discover you shut out from the world, 
and at the same time shut up in the love of God. O what 
place is like that in which the soul is blessed with intimate, 
holy communion with God our Father, and with his Son 
Jesus Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost % * * 
Bless the Lord, that our souls are not strangers to such visits 
of love. The world knoweth them not, but unto us, our 
God hath revealed the hidden mystery. 

"At another time I should discover you holding sweet 
converse with some dear child of God, who with yourself has 
drunk deep into his love. * * * What harmony between 
souls that vibrate in unison when touched with love divine ! 

"At another time, in your class or in the congregation: and 
there too, you have renewed your strength. How good the 



MEMOIR. 



197 



Good Shepherd is : he feeds his sheep. How kind our Elder 
Brother : he supplies our wants. How powerful our King : 
he subdues our foes. And through all our journey, we may 
expect that the Lord will provide. 

" If indeed you have been thus favoured at home and 
abroad, you have gone up in the way of holiness. And does 
not your purpose to follow on to know the Lord stand firm? 
Yes, my dear cousin, better things are hoped of you than 
of some who seemed to run well for a time. And from what 
the Lord has discovered to us of his goodness, we are look- 
ing for still greater things : for the path of the just is as the 
shining light that shinetn more and more to the perfect day. 
Verily I believe there is such a blessing as sinking into the 
love of God. In thinking on this subject, I have compared 
the love of God to an ocean ; and supposing myself on the 
surface of this great deep, I could imagine myself sinking 
and sinking — but how far ? O there are attainments in holy 
love which we have not yet made ! May we sink, and sink, 
and sink, and so get out of the sight and influence of the 
world, and out of the reach of the devil. 

u My little room still witnesses the manifestations of God 
in melting my soul into love and tenderness : so that in tes- 
timony of his favour, I tell you that I am on my journey. 
Christ, as King, reigns on the throne of my heart. I have a 
consciousness of reconciliation, and am waiting for an unc- 
tion from the Holy One, more and more to sink me into the 
ocean — God is love. 

" Having been feasted at the rich banquets of our Lord, we 
long to see a multitude come and possess more than we have 
enjoyed. O, when shall the sons of Levi — when shall mi- 
nisters of the gospel — be more holy ; — when shall the 
church, as a body, put on this beautiful garment ? 

" Are there those with you, who ' hunger and thirst after 
righteousness V May they expect to ' be filled / and not lin- 
ger, but eat of the bread of life, and drink of the wells of 
salvation, till satisfied. 

" How sweet a frame is this * * * to have the sim- 
ple language of the soul — more love — enlarge the vessel, 
and give me more — more faith — more meekness — more 

HOLINESS. 

" Day by day, may our souls rest under the smiles of our 
Father God, and God the Son. May Jesus breathe on us, 
and say, * receive ye the Holy Ghost' — and feeling that our 
bodies are his temples, may we keep them under — walk as 
17* 



193 



MEMOIR, 



becometh saints — as children of the day and not of the 
night. Be it ours in all things to keep consciences void of 
offence. To do this, we may often give offence to man, but 
in the sight of heaven we shall be harmless as doves. * * * 

" Soon we shall be done with things below. Till then, 
we shall be sheep- — pilgrims — soldiers — sheep in the midst 
of wolves — pilgrims through a wilderness to a city out of 
sight — and soldiers for the Lord of hosts. Let us then feed 
by our Saviour's side, who as the good shepherd cares for his 
sheep. Let us run and not be weary — let us fight and con- 
quer. Then comes the crown; in company with my cou- 
sin I expect to wear it. * * # * * # 

" My mind is intent upon the work before me. Strive 
with me in your prayers, that I may receive a commission 
from the Lord, as well as from man, by being baptized with 
the Holy Ghost. 

" As ever, your affectionate cousin, 

* James B. Taylor." 

" Nassau Hall, 30th December, 1824 

" Miss W 

" Very dear friend and sister, — Remembering your in- 
junction not to forget the New Year's letter, I again wish 
you, in anticipation, a happy New Year. 

" At the close of a year, the thought naturally arises, how 
many, who started with us at the commencement of this 
year, are no more in the land of the living ! And the pros- 
pect of as many dying the year just about to begin, is as 
serious, as the fact that thousands have fallen into their 
graves — appeared before their Judge — sunk to hell, or been 
raised to heaven during the past year. Among those who 
shall yield to the destroyer before the close of the next year, 
we may be numbered. 

" Reviewing the past year, I find it fraught with blessings 
temporal and spiritual. # * # * I have just left perus- 
ing the records of God's goodness to me — and could I tell 
you all, you would say with me, ' O that men would praise 
the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful w r orks to 
the children of men.' But I will not attempt a narration. 
Suffice it to say, I am under infinite obligations to love Goo* 
more than ever. And I hope you will still strive with me 
in your prayers to God for me, for an increase of faith, hope, 
love, joy, meekness, humbleness of mind, holy zeal, and 
boldness for God. 



MEMOIR. 



199 



" I should rejoice to have an hour's interview with you, as 
in former days, to hear you tell of the loving-kindness of the 
Lord. * * * But it is unspeakable and full of glory. It is 
with you as with some others, who can look forward to an- 
other world, as a place to recount all. * * * What awaits 
us on Zion's hill, I leave for you to imagine. And may 
your soul get further within the veil, and nearer to the 
throne of love. 

" As usual, I suppose you are in the midst of gayety and 
fashion. Do you find those professors, whose minds are 
taken up with outward ornament, best decorated within. I 
suppose you conclude with me, that a clean heart seeks the or- 
nament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is so honourable 
in the sight of God, and so esteemed by the holy, rather 
than the embellishments of art, which man honours % 

" Miss W., every day's observation convinces me more 
and more, that piety is not always connected with a profes- 
sion. It costs but little (in this world) to be united in form 
to God's people. In another, the hypocrite will find that 
he has been playing the fool with his soul, at a dear rate. 
While others trust in forms, may we have the power of 
godliness. While some share only in the name, be it ours 
to possess the virtue of Christians — Christians justified 
and sanctified. While others feed on husks, may we eat 
the true bread. While others grasp at golden ore, and are* 
unsatisfied, let us obtain the true riches. 

" As this may be our last year, we should be excited to do 
our utmost for our Master. * # * * How many are around 
us that we can benefit % We still live, and they are on the 
footstool of mercy. What we would do for them and for 
ourselves must be done quickly. I heard of the death of one 
of late, which caused me to ask, could not I have done some- 
thing for him? But he is gone. 

" Who can tell but some one of the young ladies of your 
household shall be followed to the grave, ere the close of the 
next year ? I know you wish to meet them at the right hand 
of the Judge ; but are they anxious to meet you there ? 
There is danger, it seems tome, — danger of their retaining 
their unregenerated hearts, and of carrying them to the bar 
of Crod. And who ever returned to tell us that an impeni- 
tent sinner ever got rid of his wicked heart, after passing 
the threshhold of eternity ? * * * Ah ! his once proffered 
friend is now his enemy — his state is fixed — he is lost— he 
is damned for ever 



200 



MEMOIR. 



" A word to the young ladies. The year that is gone has 
witnessed the long-suffering patience of God to us ; while 
others are beyond hope, we are still prisoners of hope. The 
opportunity is offered us to flee to the strong hold — even to 
Christ. Commencing a new era of time, would it not be 
well to secure the favour of the most High? And let future 
days, or years, bear witness to your allegiance to the King 
of kings ? In answering this question, take into considera- 
tion the need you will have of Christ in the solemn scenes 
of the death-bed, the grave, and the judgment. 

" But, Miss W., farewell. A Christian salutation to the 
friends of Christ. Affectionately yours, 

"James B. Taylor." 

We close the year 1824, with the following quotation, 
from Mr. Taylor's diary: 

" Awoke this morning with a heavenly sweetness, and took 
my usual walk as it began to dawn. Endeavoured to fol- 
low Christ in his humiliation. This passage has been of 
comfort to me, during the disturbance in college, and I have 
considered it a stronger defence than a wall. * Whose 
hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet 
from the fear of evil.' " 

1825. 

As Mr. Taylor closed, so, with the spirit of genuine piety, 
he began the year, with God. Perhaps no man more* 
strictly complied with the injunction, 14 In all thy ways 
acknowledge him ;" and none seemed more confidently to 
expect the fulfilment of the promise, " He shall direct thy 
paths." 

The commencement of his diary, for this year, is an inte- 
resting and instructive exhibition of his obedience and faith, 
in this respect. 

"January 1st. — That another year has rolled away is to 
me no matter of regret. In time, and beyond time, it will 
be remembered as a season of distinguishing mercy. Thanks 
to the good Shepherd for ' the green pastures' of the past 
year : to my heavenly Father, for his smiles : my Com- 
forter, for his presence. 

44 What will occur this year, is hid from mortal man. 



MEMOIR. 



201 



Bat ! it is in the mind of the omniscient God. And this 
God is my God, to whom I am willing to refer all, both for 
myself and others. That he is on the throne, is enough for 
me. And his glory he will not give to another. 

" Direct me, O Lord, in the right way. Lead me in a 
plain path, all paved with love ; the path that leadeth upward, 
and reacheth the land of rest — the way of holiness — the 
King's high-way. 

" I believe there are richer blessings in store for me ; — if 
not on earth, in heaven. And the Lord's will being done, 
it is not a matter of much concern to me, whether on earth 
or in heaven. But should my life be spared this year also, 
may my soul sink — and sink — and sink into God, day by 
day. Then I shall grow in grace, and in the knowledge 
of the Lord Jesus — deny myself, take up my cross, and 
follow Christ — live to God — be a light in the world — salt 
of the earth — wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove — spi- 
ritual, and not carnal. 

41 O that the lives of my relatives who are not yet for God, 
might be spared, to repent this year, and come to Christ ; — - 
that my friends who love the Lord may honour him more, 
by bringing forth much fruit. May this year be a favoured 
season for Zion. 

H Lord, increase piety in the watchmen. Make the under- 
shepherds careful of the flock. May the flock be purified. 
Let souls be joined to the Lord in thousands. Prepare 
candidates for the holy ministry for their office. Make 
all that come after, more holy and self-denying than those 
who have gone before. Prepare me eminently to win souls 
to Christ, and build up the church. This is all I ask in 
this world in regard to my relation to sinners. For thee 
would I labour ; for thee, O Christ, would I die, rather than 
be a hinderance to thy cause. But here I am ; do with me 
as seemeth good in thy sight. Thy will be done." 

Extract of a letter to the Rev. Mr. S. : dated January 8th : 

" As heretofore, I could have written about myself. But 

as / would not, so I would not give you occasion to suppose 

that I would think of myself more highly than I ought to 

think. And wherein I have appeared an egotist, pardon 
me ******* * But 

I must tell you, that the time passes, for the most part, 
sweetly, peacefully, and sometimes with joy and exultation. 



202 MEMOIR. 

Perhaps since I have been in college, I have not enjoyed 
more steadily the presence of our Lord, than I do now. 
My studies are more agreeable, and my engagements are so 
regular, that I forget the day of the month, and sometimes 
have to pause for the day of the week. Come and interrupt 
me. I say come, if the Lord will. However glad I should 
be to see my brother, more happy would I be to have him, 
even from me, in the pathway of duty. Eternity is before 
us. In time, we may yet spend happy days together. 
Beyond time, we will hope to sit down together in the 
kingdom of God. And, though I would not be light on so 
sacred a theme, will you not then introduce me to some 
whom, under God, you have sent thither? With what 
double ardour should we raise our sails and ply our oars ! 
Are you not among the wrjpsras of Jesus Christ — a rower- 
minister. (1 Cor. iv. L) May the Captain direct your course. 
May you keep a good look-out — run clear — ship multi- 
tudes — enter the haven fully laden — cast anchor, and be 
safely moored for ever. Pray that I also, with wide spread 
sail, may be wafted over to the heavenly port, the new Jeru- 
salem, The good Spirit blow upon and fill our sails." 

Diary. " 13th January. — 1 His loving kindness, O how 
great !' Have just risen from the floor, where my peace was 
like a river. * * I longed for more of God ; for a suitable 
preparation for the work of an evangelist. I felt myself a 
worm, and no man ; but, blessed be the Lord, I am in his 
hands. Here would I lie, and wait and long for his direc- 
tion, from day to day. I love the truth, and long to be more 
and more sanctified through it. Praise the Lord for holi- 
ness — for a clean heart. May I keep myself in the love of God. 

" 16th. The past week — this is Sabbath — has been fraught 
with loving kindness and tender mercy — and base ingrati- 
tude. After the rich blessing of last Thursday, my spirit, 
before morning, was shorn of its strength, by what has so 
often shrouded my soul in darkness. But the Lord healed 
my backsliding. * If any man sin, we have an advocate with 
the Father and, ' If we confess our sins, he is faithful and 
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un- 
righteousness,' brought me to exercise confidence in God, 
and my soul was restored, * * Alas ! that I should leave 
the Lord, and wander from the fountain. Make me, Lord, 
to know wisdom from my past falls, and may I set a double 
watch, and repel my foes. # # # 



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203 



Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth 
wondrous things; and blessed be his holy name forever. Had 
between ten and eleven o'clock, A. M., a blessing of blessings. 
Took up the Memoirs of the dear Brainerd, and followed him 
through part of his last sickness. When I came to his inter- 
view with a clergyman, concerning the great importance of the 
work of the ministry, my heart broke ; it had heaved before, 
but now it melted and overflowed with unutterable emotions, 
while floods of tears ran down mine eyes. The importance 
of the work increased in my apprehension, while in my own 
view I was but a worm, and no man ; yet I longed to preach 
the gospel; I thirsted to labour in God's vineyard ; to be 
an under-shepherd was my only desire ; and the thought of 
ever relinquishing the glorious object increased still more 
my emotions, while my place seemed to be in the dust; nay, 
if justice should take its course, the lowest hell. 

" Here I felt such an exercise as I am not conscious of 
having ever experienced before ; a rising of soul to God, 
and being filled with love, until I yielded myself up entirely 
to his disposal, to live or die, labour or not. I fell before 
God, and acknowledged his blessing with thanksgiving. 

M I soon repaired to the hall for worship. Had not been 
seated long before a heavenly breeze wafted my soul to 
higher communion with God. Never till then did I so feel 
the import of the passage, * I am sick of love.' * # The ser- 
mon was attended with power to my soul. Thank the Lord 
for so faithful a servant as the preacher appeared to be. * * 
He seemed to be one who had drank at the fountain of ho- 
liness, and lived on angels' food ; hence I came away with 
the conviction that holiness — holiness, is the grand secret of 
effectual preaching. Upon this point my mind has been 
much exercised lately ; and I bless God that I am becoming 
more and more conformed to him. The thought was sug- 
gested, 'What will you do when you become a preacher'? 
You will not be fluent.' My answer was, at which I take 
courage, ' In the Lord have I righteousness and strength ;' 
and I charged myself not to fear, for the Lord is my light 
and my salvation. No : I have nought to fear, but offend- 
ing God. I may take courage : onward let me go, ' redeem- 
ing the time ;' living as becometh one whom the Lord thus 
favours. How much depression and gloom rested upon 
Brainerd — none upon me. I hardly know what it is. 
Health of body too is mure. O to lay it all out for God ! 

" 17th. Since Sabbath, I have, for the most part, enjoyed 
18 



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MEMOIR. 



a sweet savour of divine things ; but this evening the Lord 
has come, of a truth, to deepen his work in my soul. The 
effect seemed to be, 

The speechless awe that dares not move 
And all the silent heaven of love.' 

Incense had been burning through the day. My willing 
soul looked upward. * * # I longed for a deepening of the 
work of grace. Peace, in steady stream, glided me along : 
but my soul thirsted for God, for the liv'ng God. Sat down 
and opened the word, and read, 1 Jesus stood and cried, If 
any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.' Jesus ! 
O, at that name what emotions arose ; his loveliness ; his 
condescension. My soul melted, and was rilled with love. 

44 What most occupied my mind, was my anticipated 
office. O! it is more and more magnified in my view. 
And as it gathers greatness, I long for the best qualification 
for it — holiness. 

44 More of late than formerly, does this subject call forth 
strong cries and tears. I now feel in my soul, 4 Who is 
sufficient for these things V Shall I be left to prove a drone 
among the church's watchmen? Shall I live as I see many 
ministers live % Forbid it, Lord : — They are ciphers when 
they ought to be thousands: And what lukewarmness — 
what apathy — what worldly-mindedness, pervade candidates 
for the ministry ! 

4 ' How I longed for full preparation for the work ; and of 
the kind the Lord would have me possessed of And rather 
than live to prove a curse to the church, by being a mer- 
cenary — worldly — and thus, a soul damning minister, I 
would now be removed. But the great Head of the church 
is breathing on me from time to time. He gives me the 
holy anointing ; he sends sweet longings for his glory — 
holy jealousy for his honour. On him let me still lean and 
cast every care. 

44 It was then I felt willing to relinquish all for Christ, 
and to go any where, and to be any thing for him : And he 
showed me his countenance, and my strength was renewed. 

44 Sitting under the word, this evening, honey from -the 
rock dropped upon me. * * O, how good ! The rest is al- 
ready begun — the earnest is given — it is within. If I 
should say, I know him not, I should lie, and do not the 
truth ; for I feel that I know God and his Son Jesus Christ, 
and am known of him. O, when shall I see him as he is ? 



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When shall I from earth' away ? — ' O, glorious hour !' I am 
expecting his chariot ; yet my prevailing preference is, if 
the will of the Lord be so, to live and do the work of an 
evangelist, and make full proof of my ministry ; and then 
there will be an eternity still. The will of the Lord be 
done. The kingdom is his — the work is his — and the glory 
is his. Amen, and amen." * 

Extract of a letter to a young Christian : 

" 22d January, 1825, 
" Soon a year will have gone by, since that evening when 
you thought you 'determined to know nothing save Jesus 
Christ and him crucified.' — Has the before barren fig-tree 
brought forth fruit corresponding with the transplanting 
and cultivation ? Once in the barren soil of the world — 
now in the garden of God ; once as a sheep going astray — 
but now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. 
Can the world bring in their testimony, that you laid out 
yourself more in unrighteousness, than the people of God 
can that you spend yourself in holy living ? As a tree 
planted by the river side — as a sheep in green pastures — as 
the sun at its meridian — so you should bring forth fruit a 
hundred-fold. Always abound in spiritual health, and 
shine resplendently in your every day walk and conver- 
sation. 

" I have before me some mottos, and I will transcribe 
them for you : 

1 Whatever you do. do it for God. 
* For thee, Lord, for thee.' 
'Is this lawful V 
1 Is it becoming V 
1 Is it expedient V 

" I will add another — 

{ How will this appear to me on my dying bed V 

" When aught is presented, to be, to do, or to suffer, we 
may apply these tests as in the light of God's word, and in 
view of the relations we sustain to Him, to the church, and 
to the world, and decide. ***** 

* # # # tt Ever retiring, submissive, mild, let us act the 
part of little children, and so carry about with us the spirit 
of Jesus, whose plan of benevolence, having been devised, is 
18 



205 



MEMOIR. 



now going on in its accomplishment. In the temple that is 
going up, on the foundation rock, Christ Jesus, let us try, by 
co-working with God, to have, at least, one nail in the 
building. * * * 

" With earnest desire that you may be, holy, harmless, 
undefiled, and thus Christ-like, I say, press fomvard, and as 
you go onward, look upward." 

11 Diary, 23d January — 

1 Love divine, all love excelling.' 

" This has been a high day to me. The Lord of the 
Sabbath has remembered me for good ; and I praise his 
name. But how shall I record his visits of love? They 
surpass my powers of description. There is a certain some- 
thing which is known only to those who have felt the same, 
that requires a higher language than mine to express. * * 

" The exercises in the hall were profitable. My soul was 
drawn out in prayer for a fitness for the work of God in his 
vineyard, and melted with longings, not only for myself, but 

for brother M , that God would make us eminently meet 

to do his will. 

" After preparing for Bible recitation, took the Memoirs 
of Whitefleld, and read of his being a blessing to minis- 
ters, &c, when a thought crossed my mind, which was as 
an arrow dipped in poison. When I came to analyze it, it 
appeared to amount to this : 4 What is the use of striving to" 
win souls ? you will never gain as many as he did.' The 
effect was, (for it seems I gave place to the devil,) the rel 
moval of that ardent thirst for preparation which I felt before. 
I took the alarm and chided myself. * * * * Fell before the 
Lord, and acknowledged all. And I felt that that sinful 
thought was enough to separate me from the love and favour 
of God for ever — I could urge no plea, but the once suffering, 
bleeding, dying Saviour ; and through him I could discern 
that the Lord had only forsaken me in a little wrath, and that 
with everlasting kindness he would draw me. My heart 
melted a little. And then I could recollect with thankful re- 
membrance, the blessing with which I was visited, two years 
and nine months ago, about the hour I was then before the 
Lord. As yet the longing to preach the gospel, and anxiety 
for fruitfulness, and solicitude for full preparation, had not 
re-entered my heart, nor did I know that they would ever 1 



MEMOIR. 



207 



return again. I felt that I did not deserve this grace : and 
that God was under no obligation to bestow it — and that it 
was my folly that had brought me into this condition. 
Here I ventured to ask the Lord his will concerning me ; 
and that if it were his will that I should possess zeal for his 
glory, and a longing desire to preach the gospel, he would 
then show it me. I looked, and waited, and prayed — and the 
answer came, and in a measure which perhaps I never felt 
before — all else seemed vain. O the heavings of my inmost 
soul, to be this one thing, viz., an under-shepherd. Then the 
inquiry arose : Lord, shall I ever preach the gospel ? Lord, 
am I a chosen vessel % Whether it was an answer or not, 
I took it to be such, and in the affirmative. * * I feel willing 
to live a hundred years on earth, if I might work for God, 
and bring souls to Christ, and then have nothing diminished 
from eternity. O who would not live a thousand years, if 
it were the will of God? Let me be no more anxious about 
living or dying; but let me live unto the Lord, that when I 
die I may die unto the Lord. # * * 

" Thus in the open fountain have I been cleansed, and I 
feel clean — may the Lord keep me so, and fill me with holy 
love. 

"From the experience of to-day, learn, my soul, ever to 
apply to the fountain, as soon as a stain is contracted, and 
with double earnestness. Rather learn to live so near as 
to drink for the keeping away all maladies, and for constant 
refreshing. 

" 27th. — Last week was invited to attend a party, but had 
no inclination to comply. No, my soul was too much set 
on heavenly, to desire the earthly entertainment ; and so 
long as eternal things are pressing upon me, I think I shall 
find no time to devote to the gay circle. Instead of mingling 
with that circle, was called to speak for my Lord to a com- 
pany of females. * * The Lord melted some of the audience, 
and I have now returned from seeing one who felt the word 
spoken. Endeavoured to be faithful to a student of theology 
who called on me. Alas ! at how low an ebb is piety among 
candidates for the ministry ! Lord, save me from the conta- 
gion. He made a long acknowledgment of his coldness, 
but at the same time mingled with it many fashionable 
excuses. He did not tarry long. I pressed him to do his 
duty, and come out and live for God. * * * May conviction 
drive him to his closet and to his knees, until he find the 
reviving influences of the Spirit. 
18* 



208 



MEMOIR. 



" Endeavoured to arouse two fellow-students to more life 
— alas ! for professors of religion here. 

" 28th. — Spent part of last evening in visiting the poor, 
with brother . 

" One poor old coloured man, whom we found in deep 
happy poverty, seemed near to the kingdom. He said, among 
other things, that he had rather be as he was, with Jesus in 
his soul, than to be a king upon a throne. 

" At evening devotion, read a part of the last chapter of 
John. To the question, ' Lovest thou me V I could appeal- 
to the Lord with melting of soul. Henry's remarks were 
profitable. I fell before the throne, and had a longing for 
souls— I thirsted to bring souls to Christ. I groaned to win 
souls, and almost with agony pleaded to have souls for my 
hire. I think I felt willing to lay out my life for souls. Mo- 
ney is not what I desire. Souls, souls, I want souls. — 
' Give me children,' was my cry, and I wept with desire to 
say at last, 1 Here am I, Lord, and the children thou has 
given me.' 

" I left my plea before the Lord for the coming Sabbath, 
when I expect to go out to my little meeting — may prepara- 
tion for the seed be made by some forerunner — may the 
seed be sowed skilfully, sink deep, take root, and spring up, 
and bear fruit. 

" 7th February. * * * * On Friday concluded on a 
subject for Saturday night, on which to speak to the congre- 
gation that expected me. Went and delivered my message 
after a rich visitation from God, at evening devotion ; and it 
proved a message of God to souls. Yesterday was the Sab- 
bath, and it was a day of rest to me, although I laboured for 
God. Anticipating my meeting in the afternoon and even* 
ing, I committed my cause to God. Having come from wor- 
ship in the hall, I mused, and the fire burned — I waited 
upon God, and he heard my prayer. Having returned from 
dinner, I again prostrated myself before God, and felt less 
than the least — the un worthiest of the unworthy — think- 
ing upon my subject as it was prepared, I concluded it was 
good for nothing, unless accompanied by the Spirit to the 
hearts of the people. I wrestled with God for a blessing. I 
was burthened with a desire that could not be uttered for 
the coming of the Lord. I felt unworthy to go out to the 
people, yet panted to speak for God. I thirsted, I drank ; I 
i\ ungered, and was filed ; then took my staff and travelled 
en and met the people. It was a heait-seai ching time* as one 



MEMOIR, 



209 



engaged Christian testified to me this morning. * * The 
Lord follow it with his blessing. 

" Walked to attend another meeting about three miles dis= 
tant, where there seemed still deeper solemnity, and where 
I was greatly helped. 1 Lord, how manifold is thy good- 
ness to thy servant !' * I'll try to prove faithful.'— Felt happy 
in God, after the exercises of the day, although fatigued in 
body. # * * * 

" To-day has brought with it a trial. — A repeated request 
reached me that I would leave college for a season, and be- 
come a * yoke-fellow' with brother S., now labouring at 
Springfield in New Jersey, and where souls are joining 
themselves to the Lord. Arguments, both in favour and 
against it, arise in my mind. * * * # I committed my- 
self and the decision as well as I could into God's hands. 
* * My heart went up to the great Head of the church — ■ 
the question arose, why here constructing a triangle, when 
souls may be perishing? My heart melted and my eyes ran 
down with tears. # * * # * 

"At evening devotion I fell before the Lord, -and called 
upon God my heavenly Father. * * But my petition 
could not find utterance. * * I only wanted to know 7 the 
will of the Lord concerning me. This passage entered 
my mind, 4 Be still, and know that I am God :' also, 4 com- 
mit thy way unto the Lord — acknowledge him in all thy 
ways ; and he shall direct thy paths.' My tears were dried 
up. After petitioning in behalf of brother S. and the lambs 
around him, my father's house and friends, I arose to praise 
the Lord. * # * I was only desirous to know his will ; 
and I trust in him to make the way plain. I felt willing 
either to stay or go at his command. * # * * If J find 
the door to open wide, so as. to let me pass out ; I shall con- 
sider it a call of God to go : if not, I remain to do his will 
here. * Praise the Lord, O my soul,' 

44 1 knew not, nor do I know now, what I should do if I 
went, but I felt willing to do any thing to help on the work 
of God. 

44 8th. — It is decided, * * Dr. C.'s negative puts it out of 

my power to leave college. . Wrote brother S ; may my 

letter refresh his spirit. Had an interview with an aged 
brother, who is a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, 
He refreshed my soul. O for a host of such pilgrims," 

In the letter above referred to, after giving an account of 



210 



MEMOIR. 



his struggle between inclination and duty, as just described, 
Mr. Taylor writes to the Rev. Mr. S : 

11 Since the decision, I do not rebel ; but consider it all for 
the best. * * I would gladly have become your helper — but 
enough — I acquiesce. * * * # 

" Of late I have received large blessings from God. * # 
I think I have been more in the school of Christ this session 
than ever before. And I have never had such evidences 
of being called of God, to spend for him — nor such break- 
ings of soul to do the work of an evangelist. Yes : I have 
felt desirous to live only to bring souls to Christ. * * * I 
have been strengthened of the Lord to bear testimony both 
to saints and sinners — and the Lord has owned the word. 

* * Direct effort is against wind and tide. And besides, a 
student's influence is too cheo.p where they abound. * * I 
long to see more devotedness among the students of the 
theological seminary. * * * Every third Sabbath I attend 
a meeting three miles distant ; and generally, once or twice 
a week I talk in town. — Every thing goes on pleasantly; I 
spend my time with but few, except the indigent, the inquir- 
ing, and engaged Christians. Yet I am nothing but a 
sinner saved by grace. But this one thing I know, that 

* God is love' — that I love God, and am loved of him ; and 
should I deny it, I should deny the clearest demonstration 
ever made to my faith and feelings. 1 All praise to him that 
sitteth on the throne. 5 " 

It has been stated more than once, that the principal object 
in giving this memoir to the public, was the good influence 
which Mr. Taylor's spirit and example might exert upon 
young men, in their preparations in college and theological 
seminaries for the gospel ministry. To this end we tran- 
scribe all that he has left, whether in his diary or corres- 
pondence, bearing directly on the subject, and this too, even 
at the Tisk of a repetition which to the fastidious may be 
displeasing ; for, there is much need of a diffusion of that 
spirit through all the ranks of those who consecrate them- 
selves to the great and awful work of preaching the gospel. 

To the venerable Mr. H. of Saybrook, Mr. T. wrote, on 
the 13th February, from which we copy as follows: 

11 That which has mostly occupied my mind this session, 
is a due preparation for the gospel ministry. While I have 



MEMOIR. 



211 



given literary acquirements their due, the best gifts have 
been earnestly coveted. My call of God has appeared to 
me more and more clear, and my soul has burned with 
desire to win souls to Christ. For this, and this alone, I 
have wished to live : and to accomplish this, I have felt 
willing to live a thousand years. I have longed to live and 
preach the gospel. # * And I felt that God was either 
anointing me for his work on earth, or for a speedier flight to 
heaven. While willing to depart and be with Christ, I still 
strongly desired to preach the gospel. At the same time, 
rather than go out without the approbation of the great 
Head of preachers, I would retire in silence, weep in secret, 
and there wait my appointed change. 

" On a certain occasion, — let me tell you — on a certain 
occasion, when in answer to my prayer, the heavens were 
opened and let down * peace like a river' — I felt this solici- 
tude to preach the gospel remaining, and yet feared that I 
might not. Like a little child I looked up and said, Father, 
am I a chosen vessel to preach the gospel ? My dear friend, 
whether it was an answer in the affirmative, or not, judge 
thou ; but at that moment, there came over me, what I must 
leave to another world to furnish a name for. I was no 
more solicitous, nor have I been since, whether I should 
live to preach the gospel or not. 

" I feel that I have been in the school of Christ where I 
now am : 1st, as a Probationer. Thus were the disciples, 
before they were commissioned and sent out to the lost 
sheep of the house of Israel. While with Christ, their con- 
duct was held up to the world — to angels — before the Lord 
"himself. They were proved. (1 Tim. iii. 10.) 

" 2dly, I am in the act of preparing. The disciples went 
through a training. They were brought up at the feet of the 
great Teacher in Israel, whose perfect example was pro- 
posed for their imitation. They were his intimates too, and 
held communion with him. And he taught them lessons in 
theology, upon which, as a basis, all the minister's theology 
should rest ; for if the superstructure be not on this Rock, 
who will insure it in the day of God's wrath. The 
apostles received a commission to go out for a season ; and 
this seemed as a trjal and preparation too. At length, in 
Christ's last command, they received more power, and had 
a broader seal. * * * God grant, that that day to which I am 
looking forward, may be as the day of my espousals. 

" Like the apostles, I go out from time to time, every third 



212 



MEMOIR. 



Sabbath regularly, and frequently during the interval, to 
call lost sinners to repentance. Last evening I met a 
few anxious souls — plead for me — plead for them. 

Diary. " 15th February. — Will God sanctify me to him- 
self more than ever. O to live — to labour — to spend all 
for God. Help, Lord, help thy servant 1 whom thou hast 
redeemed to thyself, by thy precious blood.* 

" 27th. — 4 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
hosts!' Thus I found them this morning. * # My soul went 
out for the preacher, and he came with a message for me. 
I was blessed indeed. Through most of the sermon, I could 
witness in my soul, to the truth delivered. My heart leaped 
within me for joy. * * * Thus, this day has been to me a 
day of gladness By and by I hope to rest above. # * * 

41 5th March. — To-day, I trust salvation has visited this 
college. A young man, in whom I have taken a lively 
interest ever since he joined us — who has been led away 
contrary to my advice ; but whom I have followed with the 
truth, notwithstanding his vices, has professed hope of eter- 
nal life. * * * Thank the Lord, if I have been in any way 
the means of bringing him to Christ. This, he says, is the 
case. # # This, with some cases in town, seems to be an 
interpretation of my detention from Springfield. 

44 10th March. — Returned from meeting the little band of 
anxious souls, where I found two of our number who pro- 
fessed hope. One seemed full of peace and joy. O what a 
change every way ! # * * Others present to-night, seemed 
near to the kingdom ; but they are far off till they submit v 
Not one word of consolation has been offered in these cases, 
but I proceeded with them as with others. 1st. To induce 
the sinner to commit himself on the subject of religion. 2d. 
When thus committed, to show him the awful responsibility 
resting upon him, and the great danger of delay. 3d. 
Show him his sins against the law. 4th. Urging, by gospel 
motives, immediate submission — showing that God puts no 
barrier in the way of the sinner's coming to Christ, but that 
the obstacles are wholly in himself. 5th. That he grow worse 
every hour he rebels against God. One thing particularly 
recommended was, being alone. This course has been at- 
tended with a blessing. Trembling has seized some, and the 
consequence is, they justify God, and condemn themselves." 

In the following letter, Mr. Taylor appears in a light so 



MEMOIR, 



213 



commendable — so worthy of remembrance and imitation, 
that we shall do him injustice, not to give almost the whole 
of it to the public : 

" Nassau Hall, March 9th, 1825. 

" Beloved Parents, 

" Having a little time this morning, I cheerfully devote 
it to telling you of my affairs. 

" I am nearly recovered from a heavy cold, which con- 
fined me to my room for a few days. The 1 light affliction' 
has been sanctified. 

" You are now looking out for your children's presence; 
waiting to give them a cordial reception into your new man- 
sion. In times past we have hailed each other with grate- 
ful emotions. The time before the last, what a melting sea- 
son we had before the family altar, soon after our united 
salutations. And how many seasons of refreshing have we 
enjoyed, while we have conversed, and sung, and prayed, 
and wept together 1 I long* to see your faces again, and 
again tell, and hear you tell, of the loving-kindness of the 
Lord. Again do I long to sit and kneel beside that father, 
who has watched with anxious solicitude over the wander- 
ing footsteps of a once unruly son. Again do I long to sit and 
kneel beside that mother, whose fostering hand hath raised 
a child for the world — for the church — for God — for heaven. 
Yes, my dear parents, I long to see your faces, and be, to- 
gether blessed by our heavenly Father. Well, shall I ? 
Shall my friends be gratified 1 

" You will remember, that when at home last, I left you 
for a short time, and again returned ; when you concluded, 
from a combination of circumstances, that I ought to return 
again to Colchester. You bid me ' God speed,' for you be- 
lieved that it was his will that I should go. Did you ever 
regret your decision % And have you not, even in praying 
for me, asked with this petition : ' Thy will be done V Then 
you are prepared to let the Lord and his church have me, 
instead of having me yourselves. You* will endure the dis- 
appointment for Christ's sake, and pray for me the more. 
May this ever more be your disposition. You have given me 
up to God in baptism. You have given me up to God by 
frequent surrenders. Now you will not take me back again % 
No, you would not take me out of his hands. You would 
not take me from his disposal, if you could. Rather would 
you say, should we never more see our son James : the 



214 



MEMOIR. 



Lord lead him — the Lord use him — the Lord be glorified 

by and through him. 

" It is probable you will not see me the ensuing vacation ; 
and for several reasons ; not because I cannot cross the rivers 
and hills that intervene ; not because I am straitened in 
circumstances ; not because I want affection. No. But be- 
cause a Macedonian cry seems to come from another quarter. 
My friend Mr. S. has written me thrice, and as often urged 
me to leave college and go to his aid. He wished me to 
become his 1 yoke-fellow' for a season. He is now waiting 
impatiently for my arrival. I did not leave college. To-day 
I have received a verbal request from him. 

" The Lord is blessing his labours, and he wishes me to 
be with him. I may say it to you, but not to every one, he 
has such confidence in me as to make me his companion. 
By associating with him during vacation, I may learn many 
important lessons, which, if I visited Middle Haddam, might 
be for ever lost to me and to the church. This region seems 
to be the harvest-field at present. Labourers are wanted. 
I am drawn to him. Were I to go to Connecticut with my 
present convictions of duty, I should be unhappy. Thus, 
with ull the affection of an affectionate son, I have now to 
leave father and mother, brothers and sisters, and go forth. 
My own inclination would be to see you ; but for Christ's 
sake, I must leave all and follow him. 

" From these considerations, while you are disappointed, 
do not murmur, but pray the more for me. You have en- 
couragement to pray for me and my success. The Lord 
hath already heard you. He hath prospered me. 

" During the present session, God hath been with me, 
and blessed me, and made me a blessing. Brother F. will 
tell you of the conversion of five souls over whom I have 
rejoiced. Praise the Lord for his goodness. The Lord 
bless my father and mother. 

"As ever, your affectionate son, James." 

Extract of a letter-, dated 

"30th of March, 1825. 
# # # # u You speak of ministers' dying. How mighty 
their responsibility ! How awful the account of the ungodly 
minister ! I have felt of late, willing to live a long life to 
be a co-worker with God. When I look around upon can- 
didates for the holy ministry, what shall I say ? The Lord 
answer the prayer of his handmaid. 1 May you indeed be an 



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215 



exception from many, who, in preparation for the glorious 
work before them, lose their ardour, which, as labourers in 
Christ's vineyard, they particularly need.' I doubt not but 
this will be your oft repeated and continued prayer for me. 

" The reason, in my humble opinion, why professors of reli- 
gion in our colleges and theological seminaries, are not more 
alive to God, is either, 1st, because, if they brought Christ 
with them when they came, they have not been careful to 
walk in him as they had received him, and so have stepped 
aside, and were immediately out of the way; or, 2d, if they 
had Christ in them the hope of glory, and dethroned him, if 
I may so speak, they have not been engaged to enthrone him 
again ; or, 3d, and most of all, because, notwithstanding their 
name to live, they are still, as they have ever been, dead — 
nay, twice dead in trespasses and sins. 

" I know you take an interest in my prosperity. And to 
encourage you still to pray, I can tell you, J do prosper. 
God prospers me. The right hand of God is stretched out 
for me, and victory turns on his side — on my side — on our 
side — yes, the Lord is for us. 

" ' Not of myself, but of the grace of God bestowed upon 
me, I will glory ; not of myself, but of the grace of God in 
me I will glory.' And if, by that grace upon and in me, 
good hath been done to others, let the Author be magnified. 
And I will hope to be blessed with the blessedness of one 
who, though under God he may have turned one sinner 
from the error of his ways, yet is ready to own himself an 
unprofitable servant. 

"April 2d, 1825. — Yesterday was much indisposed — 
mused upon my state — thought that soon I should be cold 
in the grave, and that possibly the present indisposition 
might terminate in death. This passage occurred : 4 Set thy 
house in order.' I felt that I wanted one piece of furniture 
— a broken, a pure heart. Blessed be God, he gave me 
what I wanted. I felt that I was cleansed — that my house 
was in order — that I was ready, meet, on my way to glory. 
I had a spirit of prayer for the lambs of my little fold. 
Whatever became of me, I desired for them a holy life. 
# # # They seemed precious to me as the apple of my eye. * # 
" From the means used last night, feel much better to-day. 
Will the Lord restore me fully to health— 1 Nevertheless, 
not my will.' While I live, I would be well, that I might 
do the more for God. But he knoweth what is best, and 
that is best for me. 

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MEMOIR. 



14 5th. Called on Miss W., who seems stronger, and yet 
stronger in the faith. From her testimony, I believe she is 
a child of God. After much counsel, I parted from her, not 
expecting to see her again before she returns home. God 
Almighty protect her. God our Father keep her from the 
evil one, sanctify her wholly, and make her useful." 

To this lamb of the flock of Christ, brought into the fold 
by the blessing of God upon Mr. Taylor's labours, he wrote 
the following letter of instructions and exhortation, which 
not only shows how well he was qualified already for that 
holy office which he so ardently desired, but affords much 
that demands the attention of young converts, and may be 
useful to Christians in every stage of their progress to 
heaven ; while it exhibits another trait of Mr. Taylor's cha- 
racter, viz. his tender solicitude, that those who had been 
brought into the church through his instrumentality should 
be eminently pious : 

"Nassau Hall, April 5th, 1825. 

" Miss Sarah : 

" * Grace be unto you, and peace, from God the Father, 
and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our 
sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, 
according to the will of God our Father ; to whom be glory 
for ever and ever. Amen.' 

" If an apology for this epistle were necessary, I could 
say, God is my witness, how I have ceased not in attempting 
to bring you to Christ, by conversation, exhortation, argu- 
ment, watching, prayers, and tears. And now, having come 
to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world, 
you will doubtless still bear with me. * * * 

" But a few days since, you were gay, thoughtless, and 
unconcerned ; a lover of pleasure, more than a lover of God : 
averse to serious conversation ; but in the good providence, 
and by the grace of God, you were led to think on your 
ways, to turn your feet to the testimonies of the Lord, and 
to make haste and delay not to keep his commandments. 

'* If asked whence you came, you would answer, -* He 
brought me also out of a horrible pit — out of the miry 
clay — and set my feet upon a rock and established my 
goings. And he hath put a new song into my mouth j 
even praise to our God.' 

" How does that horrible pit and miry clay, whence you 
have professedly come out, appear to you? Could I hear your 



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217 



reply, I doubt hot it would be, O that my bead were waters, 
and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and 
night over — ah, you well remember what — you remember 
the years that have rolled away — you call to mind the gayety 
and mirth of former days — you remember the mispent hours 
in the fashionable circle — in the ball-room — the mispent Sab- 
baths — the lost opportunities, when you might and ought to 
have turned to God ; and you now see how much you have 
lost by being a votary of the world, instead of yielding obe- 
dience to God. O Miss Sarah, how much treasure you 
might have laid up in heaven, had you been as active for 
your soul's salvation, as you have been to seek your own 
pleasures ; upon all of which you now write * vanity and 
vexation of spirit.' 

" Having had your feet set upon the rock Christ, if I 
mistake not, you are not ashamed of Jesus : and why should 
you be ashamed of him ? Is he not God your Saviour — 
your Redeemer, your all ? Is he not your Prophet, Priest, 
and King? Your Shepherd, elder Brother, Friend, and 
Judge? Ashamed of Jesus ! 

' No, when I blush, be this my shame, 
That I no more revere his name. 1 

Sing then of his loving-kindness. His loving-kindness, O 
how free ! how great ! how strong ! how good ! It changes 
not ; may you celebrate it in death, and beyond time. 

" Said the Psalmist, Come and hear, all ye that fear God, 
and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. In secret 
we may consider and celebrate the loving-kindness of the 
Lord. In public, on proper occasions, we may declare it 
forth ; * for he is good, and his mercy endureth for ever. 1 

11 To me the whole duty of man seems to be epitomized 
in this, * Walk before me and be thou perfect.' It is more 
explicit in the following: * Thou shalt love the Lord thy 
God,' (how much ?) * with all thy heart, and soul, and mind, 
and strength. And thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 
On these two commandments hang all the law and the pro- 
phets.' In giving such a command, did not Jesus appreciate 
the necessity of love to God in the highest degree ? Are 
they not the words of Christ himself? O that Christians 
would duly consider the privilege of enjoying, not merely 
for an hour, but through life, the degree of love spoken of 
by the beloved disciple. (1 John iv. 18.) 

" Miss Sarah, how much soever others may lose by stand- 
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218 



MEMOIR. 



ing idle, or wandering away from duty, may it be yours — and 
may it be mine — to press forward into the fulness of this 
love. 1 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in hea- 
ven and earth is named, that he would grant you according 
to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by 
his Spirit in the inner man ; that Christ may dwell in your 
heart by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 
may be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the length, 
and breadth, and depth, and height, and to know the love of 
Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled 
with all the fulness of God. And the very God of peace 
sanctify you wholly. And I pray God your whole spirit, 
and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming 
of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Would the apostle pray for an 
impossibility? And he adds, 'Faithful is he that calleth you. 
who also will do it.' Belie vest thou this 2 According to 
your faith be it done unto you, 

" This appears to me to be the reason why souls born of 
God, for the most part are no more sanctified, viz. they are 
too soon satisfied with a ' name to live.' They forget that 
there is no truce in this war- — that to lay down the armour is to 
be vanquished. Hence, however well they may have begun, 
laying aside their armour, dismissing their watch, neglect- 
ing to pray, they are overcome, and become again entangled 
with the world — lose their evidence of pardon — are thrown 
into darkness, and delaying to return from their backsliding, 
they wander wretched and forlorn. Shall I ask ? But how 
appalling the thought that you shall ever fall from your stead- 
fastness ! Miss Sarah, shall your closet ever testify against 
you? Will your heart ever be frozen into the adamantine 
hardness of some, who were once melted into love and ten- 
derness ? Shall the hearts of your praying friends — your 
Christian friends, who have wept and wrestled on your 
behalf, bleed over your love of the world ? Shall angels 
witness, after your determination to come out from the 
world, your retrograde steps ? O shall Jesus ever be 
wounded by you, his professed friend and follower? Shall 
the world, who are watching you with eagles' eyes, be gra- 
tified with one word or action, whereby they may triumph I 
Shall the church be disappointed — the church below, who 
are looking after a full devotedness of yourself to God, both 
in prosperity and adversity— sickness and health — life and 
death? — The church above, those angel bands — those blood 



MEMOIR, 



219 



washed souls in the paradise of God, who are waiting to 
welcome the faithful ? 

"Suffer the word of exhortation : — Whatever others do or 
say, (I mean professors of religion,) whatever others may- 
think sufficient to bring them to heaven — let it be well fixed 
in your mind, that it will cost something to be a Christian, 
Having begun, may you continue, and may you end well. 
To stimulate you to action — to urge you on the way — is the 
object of this communication. I need not tell you of my 
solicitude that you should walk worthy of your high voca- 
tion ; you have already had it evinced. * Give, then, all 
diligence to make your calling and election sure.' Add to 
your faith virtue, and all the Christian graces. 1 Love not 
the world nor the things of the world.' 4 Be clothed with 
humility.' 1 4 Watch unto prayer.' * Pray without ceasing.' 
* Deny all ungodliness — live soberly, righteously, and god- 
ly.' ' Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ ;' 
not like Peter, afar off 4 As you received Christ Jesus 
the Lord, so walk in him.' How was this ? Did you re- 
ceive him in a state of indifference — in unbelief — in love 
with the world — in pride— in gayety — without prayer— in 
self-indulgence ? Go back to that hour — examine the foun- 
dation of your hope — see how you submitted. — Follow up 
your course, and see what have been your most precious 
seasons, and then go on accordingly. Finally, set high your 
standard of piety — not higher nor lower than the Bible. 
Seek with all your heart the mind that was in Christ Jesus : 
then you will study to be faithful to God — faithful to your- 
self — and faithful to all around you. 

44 With solicitude for your best interests, 

44 1 am, in the bonds of the gospel, yours, &c. 

44 James B. Taylor." 

To the same, dated, 

44 11th April, 1825. 

* * 44 1 thank my God upon every remembrance of you. 
And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more 
in knowledge and in all judgment — that you may approve 
things that are excellent — that you may be sincere and with- 
out offence till the day of Jesus Christ ; being filled with 
the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the 
praise and glory of God. * # * 

14 1 rejoice that, under God, I was the instrument of bring- 
ing you to Christ. It is, indeed, a cause of humble acknow- 



220 



MEMOIR. 



ledgment to the Father of mercies, that I have been em- 
ployed and blessed as a co-worker with him. * * # * 

44 Your prayer to have the will of God done, and not yours, 
is one after the pattern of Jesus Christ. And who so 
holy — who so happy, as He who came not to do his own 
will, but the will of him that sent him? ' Be it ours on all 
occasions to be conformed to the will of God. 

M Here I would repeat what you remind me of saying in 
my first letter : Press fonvard into the fulness of his love, 
I trust you will — I pray you may : but do not put it or! for 
a suitable occasion. Like other duties — like other bless- 
ings, the time is now. Whence issues the voice, delay t 
From the church above ? or the church below % Nay, but 
from hell — from a thoughtless world — from soul-damning 
guides — from nominal, lukewarm professors, the cry is sent 
forth, delay. Alas ! how many hear it and sutler from it 
Of you I hope better things. 

" Hungering and thirsting after righteousness may yon 
be filled 

4 Jesus, my only hope, thy blood can cleanse 

My deepest stains, and purify my soul 

From all its native and contracted guilt ; 

In that clear fountain of immortal life 

Let me be cleansed and thoroughly sanctified. 

I come, a helpless, miserable wretch, 

And throw myself, and all my future hopes, 

On mercy infinite ; reject me not, 

Thou Saviour of the sinful race of man.' — Mrs. Rowe. 

- " You said you had not conversed much with your 
friends. To do this profitably, we need the wisdom of the 
serpent, and the harmlessness of the dove. Regard should 
be had to time, place, persons, and the peculiar circum- 
stances of individuals. While we may not have the oppor- 
tunity of benefiting others in conversation, yet we may by 
example, 

"But I think, Miss S., should you fix it as a principle of 
action for your whole life — for you have entered upon a life- 
service — you have enlisted for the war — I say, should you 
fix it as a principle of action for life, so far as in you lies, to 
benefit every individual that approaches you, it is probable 
you would not regret it at your dying hour. Look to the 
everlasting hills for strength. Perhaps you will conclude 
that you have already bound yourself to this, by your oath 
at the communion-table. Be it so ; you need not wish the 
obligation revoked* 



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221 



"At the communion-table! Ah! has God, have angels 
and men, beheld you seated at the table of the Lord ? And, 
did you sing, 

* Why was I made to hear thy voice, 
And enter while there's room V 

And shall I say, be faithful to your vows? 

" As to doctrines, I would you were established firmly in 
the faith, once delivered to the saints. It is all in the Bible ; 
and with this promise : 1 If any man will do his will, he 
shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether 
I speak of myself These are Christ's words, who says, 
1 Search the scriptures.' And the apostle ; 1 Let the word of 
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.' Like Apollos, 
may you be mighty in the scriptures ; and agreeably to the 
prayer of Christ, be sanctified through the truth. * * # O, 
how necessary to be justified and sanctified ; for ' vrithout 
holiness^ no man shall see the Lord. 1 " 

Soon after writing the foregoing letter, Mr. Taylor left 
college to spend the spring vacation, as announced in a letter 
to his father and family, already noticed, in assisting the Rev, 
N. C. S., in conducting a revival at Rahway, N. J. At his 
arrival he found the work going on, and about fifteen per- 
sons entertaining the hope that they had passed from death 
unto life. Among this people, Mr. Taylor laboured in con- 
junction with Mr. S. about five weeks, very much to their 
satisfaction, and with great success. During this favoured 
season, the number of hopeful converts increased from fif- 
teen to seventy or eighty, of all ages, from 1 1 years old ta 
70, and of every condition in life. 

To his brothers K. and J., Mr. Taylor wrote two letters 
from Rahway, giving an account of the progress of the work 
of grace in that town, in which he says : 

" I am glad to inform you that the revival is increasingly 
interesting. * * Upwards of sixty have expressed hope, 
Among the young converts, is one 61 years of age; among 
the anxious, one of 70. 

" The child of 61, is a mother, who, with her two daugh- 
ters, became anxious on the same day ; and on the same day, 
they all expressed hope, This family I visited, and they re- 
ceived me cooly — nay, more, they were indifferent, approach- 
ing to opposition. But to our surprise, they soon sent for bro~ 
19* 



222 MEMOIR. 

ther S. and myself to visit them. We went and found 
them in deep distress. Judge how differently they received 
us, from the manner in which they received my visit! God 
be praised. 

44 There is no opposition worthy of note. The work goes 
on in solemn stillness. 

44 May you all be holy, and without blame, before him in 
love. Affectionately, James." 

Upon his return to college, he wrote as follows to the fa- 
mily at Middle Haddam : 

41 Nassau Hall, 10th May, 1825. 

* * * 44 1 have often thought of your delightful situation 
on the hill — I have thought too that you are a house on a 
hill, that cannot be hid. To shine, we need to be covered. 
4 Be clothed with humility. 5 To be high, we need to get low 
in the vale, not oi dejection, but of humility — 4 Before ho- 
nour is humility.' 

44 Most of my enjoyments flow from a contented mind, 
which, when possessed, is a 4 continued feast.' Not in the 
world, nor from the world, but from God through Jesus 
Christ, we must expect our happiness. It is at the feet of 
Jesus we may find help, in every time of need. 

44 Since my return, the Lord has visited me with rich bless- 
ings. I hope he is ripening me for his service here, and for 
his glory hereafter. 

44 I think I never took more interest in reading the 
Bible than since I returned. Revivals of religion are a 
happy comment upon the Bible. In reading the Acts of the 
Apostles, read them in reference to revivals. In reading the 
epistles, read them as addressed to young converts. 

44 As ever, affectionatelv vours, 

44 James B. Taylor." 

To his diary we are indebted for very much that Mr. 
Taylor said, and did, and thought, and felt, whereby we 
have an interesting development of his character; and the 
more to be relied upon, because it was never designed for 
publication, or even the inspection of his friends. 

Though in the conversions which took place during the 

joint labours of Mr. S and Mr. Taylor, at Rahway, 

there is evidence that his efforts were much blessed, yet in this 
secret record of the matter, he lays no claim to distinction. 



MEMOIR. 



223 



" May 21st. * * # Went with brother S to Rahvvay, 

and found that after his labours there for about two weeks, 
fifteen had expressed hope. I became his assistant for about 
five weeks, during which time the number was increased to 
seventy-five or eighty. Will God carry on his work, and 

still own the efforts of brother S in effecting a greater 

salvation among that people. 

" During my labours, I had too much hardness while 
witnessing the displays of grace, and while God was evi- 
dently owning his word. I often felt under the influence 
of lethargy. The Lord, I trust, has forgiven me. But, O ! 
how much more humble and faithful I might have been ! 
There were seasons, indeed, in which my heart was broken 
and contrite. I look upon this sphere of labour, and this 

opportunity with brother S , as among the happiest 

prospectively in all my life. 

" Since my return, God hath been gracious to me, and 
afforded uncommon seasons of communion with himself, 
through Jesus Christ. I have been enabled to cast all my 
burdens on the Lord. 

" In my walk this morning, met with a cross. As I was 
passing a shop, a man swore by the sacred name of God. 
I passed on. The query arose, * Shall I let this sin go 
unnoticed V I stopped. Many excuses entered my mind ; 
whether from the devil or my own heart, I cannot deter- 
mine. At length this scripture presented itself : ' Thou shalt 
in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon 
him.' I went back, called the person by name, and requested 
an interview. We walked aside where I had a serious 
talk with him ; the result so far was favourable. 

" June 1st. * * * I rejoiced before God that there was 
an eternity to come, in which I might recount his goodness — 
see him as he is — and associate with saints and angels. O 
how my heart moved at the thought of meeting some there 
who might recognize in me a spiritual father ! I would 
rather live than die, for the present ; and this, God knoweth, 
is from the desire of being, if he "would qualify me, emi- 
nently useful in bringing sinners to Christ. Yet if he were 
to call, I would go. Methought, how should I appear, 
seated with the saints in the new Jerusalem. I looked for 
the lowest seat. * * * 

" Among others, my friend, L. P- , came to my mind. 

I think I never before pleaded for him with such confidence 
and submission. # * * My petitions were groans which 



224 



MEMOIR, 



could not be uttered, for his salvation. * * * I left him, 
with myself, in the hands of God. He will do right ; and 
I rejoice that he is on the throne. 

" 6th. — Yesterday, the Sabbath, passed, for the most part, 
without much feeling in divine things till evening devotion, 
when, singing, I made melody in my heart to the Lord. * * 

" June 9th. — Evening.— To the honour of rich grace be 
it recorded, that God, out of his exceeding fulness, hath just 
now visited my soul with salvation. After reading the 
scriptures, while singing, the thought of my having spoken 
on the stage this evening, when I was considerably applaud- 
ed, entered my mind. Thought I, what is this ? O ! if my 
faculties might be all on God's side, it would be honour. 
Immediately my heart broke, and went out, not in self-com- 
placence, but in self-abasement. I fell upon my knees, to 
give myself away to God anew. I found I had nothing to 
give. All I am was his already. And besides, I owed 
him ten thousand talents. Then it occurred to me to ask 
of God to consecrate me wholly to himself, for his glory. 
The petition was too big for utterance ; I groaned and wept 
it out. I think I never had such an overpowering willing- 
ness to spend for God. I felt an unusual resignation to his 
will : I felt myself in his hand. And if at last I should be 
held up a spectacle to creation, as a monument of long- 
suffering on his part, and then be sent to hell, I would wish 
to bring glory to his name while on earth. * # * 

" 13th. Brother S having left the people at Rahway, 

* * * O how I longed to be with them for a season ! But 
I cannot. I cast them and myself upon the Lord, and he 
besto wed a rich blessing upon me. I sunk into insignifi- 
cance, while God was exalted above all." 

While thus breathing out his affectionate soul in behalf 
of the lambs of the flock at Rahway, Mr. Taylor addressed 
to them the following communication : 

"Nassau Hall, June, 1825. 
" To the band of young converts in Rahway. 
"Beloved: — Having seen some of you when dead in 
trespasses and in sins, and afterwards when awakened, 
anxious, and rejoicing, I presume will be a sufficient apo- 
logy for this epistle. But besides this, I might assure you 
that the love of Christ constraineth me. The Christian 
affection and solicitude I feel towards you all, draw me; 



MEMOIR* 



225 



and my regard for your best interests calls forth a line from 
my pen. 

"Addressing an epistle to young converts, the apostle said 
among other things, — ' As ye have therefore received Christ 
Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him ; rooted and built up in 
him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, 
abounding therein with thanksgiving.' Col. ii. 6, 7. Let 
me ask : How did you receive the Lord Jesus Christ ? In 
impenitence, unbelief, and rebellion ? or in contrition, faith, 
and submission ? Was it in pride, love of the world, sensu- 
ality, anger, malice, or envy? Or in humility, forsaking the 
world, a crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts ? 
Was it with a determination to live in sin, and so dishonour 
God ? or with the fixed, unalterable determination, to wage 
war with sin, to overcome sin, and to honour God by for- 
saking every sin ? Methinks I hear one and another say, 
\ You have touched a point in my experience. Thus it was 
I received Christ Jesus the Lord.' What a combination of 
appellation and office is wound up in the name of the Son 
of God ! Christ — Anointed, sent and set apart to execute his 
office as mediator ; Jesus — Saviour ; Lord — the proprietor 
and ruler of all. When you received him, did you take 
Christ Jesus the Lord in all his offices? Then walk ye in 
him. 

" Here, as in a journey, before we proceed we must get 
into the way. 1 Rooted and built up in him.' In this we see 
the necessity of being confirmed Christians. A tree should 
take deep root, for two reasons : — first, that it may outstand 
every storm — secondly, that it may receive the more nou- 
rishment. A house built on a sandy foundation is in danger 
of soon falling. The hope not founded on the Rock, Christ 
Jesus the Lord, will be soon swept away. 1 And established 
in the faith.' Are there babes in Christ ? So are there young 
and old men in Christ. As one is born, not always to remain 
a babe, but to grow up to manhood, so babes in Christ should 
grow up into Christ, to the stature of perfect men. Once the 
wide-spread oak was shut up in the acorn ; afterwards it 
shot above the earth ; now it attracts the notice of the eye. 
4 In the faith as ye have been taught.' Besides the expe- 
rience of others, you have the witness within yourselves, to 
testify to tlie doctrines of the Bible. As high aa the Bible, 
and no higher, are we to set our standard of believing. 
With the Bible in our hand, and God's teaching, we may 
come at the truth, as it is in Jesus. 'Abounding therein 



226 



MEMOIR. 



with thanksgiving 1 . ' That there is such a thing as being 
deficient, nay empty, in religious experience, look at pro- 
fessors of religion, here and there. Do you find them all 
1 full of faith and of the Holy Ghost V Do you find a family 
altar in every house where religion is professed ? Do you 
behold Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile, in all 
who go around the communion-table, 1 and have their names 
in the church-book.' Judge ye of the walk and conversation 
of many who bear the Christian name, and ask, Shall I too 
be a deficient, empty, formal, lukewarm disciple ? Ah, my 
friends, I hope better things of you. I hope God, angels, 
and saints in heaven, and the church on earth, will witness 
in you a walk according to godliness ; a firmness and sta- 
bility of character worthy of such a hope, such a profession, 
such obligations as yours. And then you will abound too in 
thanksgiving, that your eyes were opened to see, your ears 
unstopped to hear, and your heart broken to feel the joys of 
sins forgiven. 

" Having just entered upon the race, you have it to run, 
4 run with patience. 5 Having to fight, 'put on the ivhole 
armour of God ;' for the world, the flesh, and the devil, are 
arrayed against you. Aie you discouraged? Does your 
soul draw back at the distance? at the contest? Why art 
thou cast down ? Satan would have you so. The world, 
who are looking at and watching you with an eagle's eye, 
would have you draw back, or fall from your steadfastness. 
But ' give no place to the devil. 5 — -Come out from the world, 
and say, ' In the name of the Lord, I will destroy them all: 5 
for through Christ strengthening him, what cannot the 
Christian do ? And does not the assurance sound from the 
word, ' My grace is sufficient for thee? 5 

" You recollect the season of our last interview. I think 
I shall never forget it. It was apparently a heavenly place 
in Christ Jesus. And have you found the ' God of love and 
peace 1 with you ? I doubt not that you have, if you have been 
of * one mind" 1 to seek a high attainment in the divine life, 
4 adding to your faith virtue 1 and have kept all the Chris- 
tian graces in exercise. And if you still 1 grow in grace 
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 1 
you will abound more and more in the consolations of the 
gospel. For the sake of Christ, then— for the sake of the 
church, which is his body, and which he has purchased 
with his own blood, and for which he intercedes — for the 
sake of your pastor, who prays for your prosperity — and for 



MEMOIR. 



227 



the sake of brother S. who has laboured among you — 
and for your own sakes, I pray you to be — what? O! 
be uncommon Christians; that is, be eminently holy 
— self-denying — cross-bearing— Bible — every-day Chris- 
tians. 

" You may walk in Christ, be 1 rooted and built up in 
him. 1 You may 1 exercise yourselves unto godliness, and 
be perfect, of one mind, live in peace, be of good comfort, 
and have the God of love and peace with you.' It is that 
to which every one of you may attain. It is, O yes, it is 
your high privilege ; yes, it is your duty to attain unto it ; 
and moreover, it is for your interest ; for when are you the 
happiest — when worldly or spiritual, when earthly or hea- 
venly minded? Shall I repeat what you have so often 
assented to, as duty, and in the performance of which, 
your souls have been so much blessed? I mean, shall I say, 
live to God in secret — examine your hope — try your 
experience ? Leave these duties unperformed for a day or a 
week, and see where you would be found. Rather, would 
I say, do not try the experiment; for it has undermined 
many hopes, nay is one strong evidence of a bad hope; 
viz. the neglect of duty, and this neglect unattended with 
remorse, and renewed submission to God. 

" Shall I repeat, that the cords of Christian affection 
bind me to you? The remembrance of you hath associated 
with it some of my sweetest moments : and I have rejoiced 
in the thought, that an eternity is to come, in which I shall 
have the opportunity of seeing you, and rejoicing with you. 
Until then, i± we converse no more on earth, we will hope 
to meet around our Father's board, and sing 4 Hallelujah, 
for ever and ever.' 

"I presume you continue to meet for social prayer and 
praise as usual. May you be knit together more and more 
— may your hearts be united to fear, to love, and serve the 
Lord. Not only for yourselves, but you must feel interested 
for those with whom you are associated. Your affectionate 
but infirm pastor, whom you cherish with new emotions, calls 
for your prayers; your pious friends — your companions 
whom you left behind, to take their pleasure in the world — 
your fathers and mothers — your children — your brothers 
and sisters, who are left while you have been taken. Oh ! 
how much have you to do; and what you would do for 
God, for yourselves, for your pious, and for your ungodly 
friends, must be done quickly, for ' the time is short 1 Soon, 
20 



228 



MEMOIR. 



and you will go hence — soon, and they will be here no 
more. Who of us would see a friend, or relative of ours, go 
down under the wrath of God ? Ah ! when the sound 'fare- 
weW shall echo at the bar of God — when an impenitent 
child shall take a last lingering look of a pious, saved 
parent, and sigh 'farewell' — when parents shall sink from 
the view of pious children— when brothers and sisters 
shall part to meet no more, may we stand spotless, and 
without their blood hanging about us. Finally, let our 
song ever be, 

{ I'll try to prove faithful, 

Till we all arrive at home/ : 

" Yours, in the best of bonds, 

"James B. Taylor." 

This address to young converts suggests some thoughts 
which are worthy of the practical regard, not only of those 
who are just commencing the Christian life, but of ministers 
and older Christians. 

No one, who has his senses so exercised as to be capable 
of judging in the case, can be blind to the melancholy truth, 
that the cause of the Redeemer has suffered sadly from the 
want of that deep toned, consistent piety, which is attainable 
by every one who has been born from above. The opinion 
has indeed prevailed to a great extent, and is still entertained 
by many, that the freshness and fervour of the first love of 
young Christians, must of necessity pass away and give 
place to darkness, and uncertainty, and coldness. Most dis- 
astrous have been the effects of this opinion upon the growth 
in holiness and usefulness of the church; and instead of 
shining brighter and brighter to the perfect day, her light 
has been often obscured, her hopes enfeebled, and her influ- 
ence neutralized. Instead of a vigorous, healthful action, 
her conduct has been fitful, and her very life an alternation 
of spasm and collapse ; at one time, all zeal and devotedness, 
and again, chilling all around with indifference. 

Now it is perfectly manifest that neither the apostles nor 
their Master ever countenanced or encouraged such a life in 
hi-s followers. " Nevertheless," said our Lord to the church 
of Ephesus, " I have somewhat against thee, because thou 
hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence 
thou art fallen and repent, and do the first works : or else 



MEMOIR. 



229 



I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick 
out of his place, except thou repent." In this passage we 
have set before us the evil and the remedy. If a declension 
in the fervour of piety and the strength of faith — if leaving 
their first love, by Christians, must be repented of, then is 
such conduct offensive to God, prejudicial to his cause, and 
injurious to the souls of men. Every sin is offensive to God 
— but this sin necessarily prejudices his cause with sinners, 
and consequently injures their souls ; and the only remedy 
is repentance. But every Christian has a security against 
this evil, in the abundant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
which, according to divine promise, may be attained through 
faith and watchfulness and prayer. Let every Christian, 
therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that he 
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of 
need. 

Until the church shall unlearn the lesson so often taught 
by good, but mistaken fathers and mothers in Israel, that 
the excitement attendant upon conversion must be succeeded 
by depression and doubt — until ministers and members of the 
church practically learn that their power of doing good is 
in proportion to their holiness — there is no reason to expect 
the universal triumph of the cause of truth and righteous- 
ness. It is impossible that the wise and benevolent King of 
Zion should ever subdue the world to himself through the 
co-operation of a people, so imperfectly sanctified as is the 
present generation of Christians; nor does it seem at all 
consistent with His infinite fitness to govern, to impress the 
present character of the church, in which there is such a 
mixture of pride, and selfishness, and worldliness, and the 
spirit of contention, upon this earth's entire population. 
How important then the instructions given by Mr. Taylor 
to young converts ! How necessary that they grow up from 
their very birth "unto the measure of the stature of the ful- 
ness of Christ." 

In the same strain and the same spirit, is the fol- 
lowing extract of a letter to a young lady, in T , to 

whom Mr. Taylor sustained the endeared relation of spirit- 
ual father: 

"June 17th, 1825. 
" As you may conclude, I was glad to hear of your pros- 
perity. * * As you are pleased to recognize in me, the 
instrument, under God, of awakening you from carnal secu- 
20 



230 MEMOIR. 

rity, and of leading you to the Lamb of God, you rightly 
judge that I feel something of the solicitude attendant upon 
such a relation. And not only for you, but for others, scat- 
tered up and down, near and remote. 

11 When the husbandman cultivates his field, he is 

more or less anxious, until his expectations are realized. 
* * * 

" I need not tell you that I have rejoiced over the lambs of 
the flock of Jesus, the good Shepherd. And perhaps I should 
not tell you that I have wept in secret places, for fear that 
some might turn aside — some who have expressed a hope, 
and so wound the cause of Christ. Yes, my heart has bled 
in the inner chambers, my soul has agonized for the pros- 
perity of those whom I have seen once dead in trespasses 
and sins, and afterwards awakened and hopefully born again. 
My heart's desire and prayer to God for them is, that they all 
might be holy, harmless, and undefiled, Is holiness stamped 
on your heart? Is holiness to the Lord, as the grand cha- 
racteristic of your thoughts, words, and actions, carried 
out, and made to stand forth, in all the relations of life ! Are 
you as harmless as a dove? Are you unspotted 'from the 
world?' * * 

" May you be like a tree planted by the river's side — be 
rooted in. Christ — rooted, that you may both draw nourish- 
ment from, and stand firm in Christ Jesus." 

Diary, June 19th. — " Another standard bearer inZion hath 
fallen — Summerfield is no more. Hath fallen ? is no more T 
But he hath ascended to his Father, and lives in the Para- 
dise of God. I have read once and again two letters of his 
addressed to my friend Mr. A. They are fraught with 
Christian love. The thought that the hand that wrote them 
is now entombed in the grave, and the spirit that dictated 
them now ranges the sweet fields above, was melting to my 
soul. Well : for the Lord hath done all things well, and 
now reigns. * * He hath joined those who have gone before. 
What interviews may he have already had, with Wesley, and 
Whitefleld, and Fletcher, and Spencer, and Martyn, and the 
innumerable company. And shall I join the heavenly band? 
I think I never before had such humiliating views of myself 
as for weeks past, while the Lord has been favouring me 
with the communications of his love. * * * And, if after all, 
I should enter heaven, the thought occurred, that the fittest 
place for me, would be, to be raised to some conspicuous 



! 



MEMOIR. 



231 



point in the midst of the adoring throng, as an everlasting 
spectacle of super-abounding- grace" 

To a minister of the gospel, we find the following letter 
dated 

"Nassau Hall, July 13th, 1825. 
" Brother beloved : Your letter, which I have read again 
and again, came to hand about a week after its date, and it 
refreshed me. 

" Indeed I have sympathized with you, and I still could 
weep with you under your various trials. But our sympa- 
thizing High Priest, who hath gone into the heavens, can 
better be touched with a feeling of your infirmities, having 
been tempted in all points as we are. Was Peter's wife's 
mother sick of a fever? Peter's friend was there to heal. 
Was the house at Bethany afflicted? The friend of Lazarus, 
of Mary and Martha, was there to weep with the latter, and 
over the tomb of the former I need not tell my dear bro- 
ther that Jesus is virtually present, and that in him all full- 
ness dwells. Yes, he is an attendant upon your compa- 
nion — he watches over her for good — cherishes her spirit- 
ual health, and is thus maturing her to the stature of one 
perfect in Christ Jesus. The Vine Dresser holds the prun- 
ing knife, and with consummate skill, severs one exuberant 
branch after another, till the tree may appear well nigh 
shorn of its beauty. Soon, the roots being imbedded in a soil 
watered by the river of God, branches more fresh and green 
will put forth ; and if permitted to remain in the garden 
below, it will flourish, bud, blossom, and bear the choicest 
fruit ; if transplanted to the garden above, it will bloom and 
bear fruit for ever. And shall we complain that he removes 
a plant from a poorer to a richer soil — from the shade to 
the sunshine ? 

" Think it not strange, my brother, when all that are com- 
bined against you, level their force against your honest in- 
tentions to do the work of an evangelist ; for remember the 
case of our elder Brother, who went about doing good. Even 
Peter assumed the office of dictator, and began to rebuke 
him, saying, * Be it far from thee, Lord.' Is it not sufficient 
that the servant (dovXos ) be as his master ? — Remember 
too the great Apostle Paul, when with one accord they 
besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 4 Then Paul an- 
swered, what mean ye to weep and to break my heart 1 for 



282 



MEMOIR. 



i" am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerum* 
le?n for the name of the Lord Jesus. 1 Paul would not be 
persuaded : neither let my brother be persuaded, until con- 
vinced by Him who hath put him into the ministry. And 
let him count it all joy to suffer for Christ's sake. Only get 
on ' the whole armour,' and then, though a host encamp 
against you, in the Lord you will do valiantly. 

" If you do not enjoy the light of God's countenance, then 
must you be in double agony. I would that you were rilled 
all the day long with faith and with the Holy Ghost. I need 
not suggest it— but so I find it — to come to a solemn pause, 
and get near to the Lord, serves as a thousand arguments 
against the world, the flesh, and the devil. May you expe- 
rience more and yet more of the love of God. 

" In carrying you and your interests to God, I have at 
times enjoyed liberty and nearness of access. * * # * 

" I am reading, with interest, Edwards on the Affections ] 
speak regularly once a week in the African church, and meet 
on Monday evening the young converts. I think I take an 
increased interest in reading the Bible. The world and its 
honours dwindle into the shade more and more. * * May 
I ever cherish the disposition, God being my keeper, to 
spend my all in turning sinners to the Shepherd and Bishop 
of souls. 

11 A Christian salutation to Mrs. — — . 

" As always, yours, 

" James B. Taylor." 

From Mr. Taylor's diary and correspondence, we present 
no extracts for the month of August for this year, not because 
of a paucity of materials, nor that the matter is destitute of 
interest; but on account of the uniformity of his exercises, 
and the similarity of the sentiments of his letters to many 
already given, or that remain to be noticed. 

To the same clergyman to whom the last letter from which 
an extract was made, was addressed, he wrote on the 19th 
Sept., 1825. 

" Nassau Hall. 

"Dearly beloved Brother: 

****** I am sorry on your account, that so much 
darkness pervades your soul. You need to walk in the 
light, * * # for many reasons — for your own comfort, for 
the comfort of others, for the glory of God, and for the edifi- 



MEM01& 



233 



cation of the body oi Christ, which is the church. May you 
be baptized not many days hence. 

" I havextestified to you verbally, and by letter, concerning 
some of the blessings God has vouchsafed to me. Of all the 
blessings in the house of my pilgrimage, one experienced 
last evening was perhaps the greatest. I will not attempt, 
with pen and ink, to describe it. Help me, my loving bro- 
ther, help me to praise the Lord," 

"Sept. 22d f 1825. 
" James to his dearly beloved and afflicted brother. Lit- 
tle did I expect to receive the intelligence I did this morn- 
ing, of your illness. Think it not strange, my dear bro- 
ther, that you are sick ; * for whom the Lord loveth, he chas- 
teneth.' Try to receive this visitation, as among your * ail 
things;' and give thanks, 'for this is the will of God, in 
Christ Jesus, concerning you.' Perhaps my brother is not 
so much alarmed about his body, as he is solicitous that his 
affliction may be sanctified. Truly this should concern us 
most; for let what will befall the outer man, if the inner man 
be renewed day by day, we shall grow strong for eternity, 
whither we constantly tend. Are you tossed and not com- 
forted? Do you spend wearisome days, and tedious nights'? 
I have been weeping, and wrestling in prayer for you. 
While looking upward for myself, I remembered you ; for 
how could I forget one to whom, under God, I am so much 
indebted, and to whom I bear a weight of love? I thought 
of asking for your health, your life ; for I saw beside you, 
your E., and around you, your children ; I saw you an elder 
in an infant church, and exerting, as I hoped, a happy influ- 
ence along the path of life ; yet for all this, I could only say ? 
* The will of the Lord be done.' My weeping and wrestling 
for you, my dear brother, was according to the will of God, 
that you might be holy, and without blame before him in 
love; that if your soul was beclouded, the Sun of righteous- 
ness might arise upon you ; that our Captain would drive 
back the enemy, and give you the victory ; for this was all 
I could ask for myself. I saw, moreover, that though your 
life appeared in many respects to be needful, yet for you as 
well as myself, another life was in reserve, to enter upon 
which we must die. Is there a mansion for us in the skies, 
and shall we not enter in ? Is it the Father's good pleasure 
to give us the kingdom, and shall we not possess it ? To me 
earth is no way desirable but to live for God. And let me 
20* 



234 MEMOIR. 

tell you, that of late I have thought myself near my resting 
place. I have been brought into so close a fellowship with 
God, that I knew not but I was breathing out my soul, to fly 
away. Yes, and it is the earnest, the foretaste of glory 
which the Lord has given me, that lifts me on high. * * * 

61 The Lord is, I think, preparing me either to be more 
useful, or to take me to heaven. His will, not mine, be done. 

" It may be, that my dear brother rests under the smiles 
of our heavenly Father. Let us then cling close to the hope 
that is within us, stand firm at our station, endure with 
patience, fight valiantly. For this w r e must prepare in the 
inner chamber ; with God, in secret, the harness is generally 
put on, and for the most part, with weeping and contrition. 
May our hearts be bruised and healed, so that we shall be 
■ without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.' 

" Should you be apprehensive that you shall leave us 
soon, let my brother do the work he would do. Be faithful 
to me — be faithful to E. — be faithful to your family, to 
your minister, to all. 

" Let your house be set in complete order. Seek for a 
clear, undoubting evidence of your acceptance. Stop not 
short of meetness for glory and glorified society. With- 
out holiness no man shall see the Lord. The" very God of 
peace sanctify you wholly. And, I pray God, your whole 
soul, and body, and spirit, may be preserved blameless unto 
the coming of the Lord Jesus. Faithful is he who has 
called you ; who also will do it. Only seek him with your 
whole heart. * * 

" Holiness captivates my soul. It is this that gives 
the character of God its glory, in my view. It is this that 
makes the character of angels and disembodied spirits love- 
ly in contemplation. It is this that makes heaven desirable. 
And it is this that illumes my soul, and allies it to the most 
holy on earth : My cry is, Lord give me wisdom and holi- 
ness. And let this be the burden of your prayer for me — 
that I may be wise to win souls, and holy to enter heaven. 

" Let me comfort myself, saith Edwards, that it is the 
very nature of afflictions to make the heart better ; and if I 
am made better by them, what need I be concerned how 
grievous they may seem for the present V 

We have before us an interesting letter, bearing date the 
26th October, 1825, but without place, and with obliterated 
superscription, from which some extracts follow ; 



MEMOIR 



235 



" Acknowledging the receipt of your epistle, which came 
to hand a few days since, I am constrained to comply with 
your request, viz. * write to me.' With the other, which 
was, 1 pray for me,' I have just complied, with tears and 
strong cries. 

" I am now seated where, when I turn my head, I have a 
beautiful prospect. 

####*< gassed be the Beloved that he has proved him- 
self your elder brother — a friend always near. How re- 
lieving — O, how unburdening to the soul, is a gush of 
tears — sweet tears of love and gratitude : they have just 
flowed from my weeping eyes. 

" I am glad that your spirit was refreshed by the coming 
of Christian friends ; and for their concern for both you and 
me. Let us not think it strange, if when we see the image 
of Christ reflected more brightly in the walk and conver- 
sation of some of his disciples than others, we are tempted 
to chide ourselves for not loving all equally. It is indeed 
written — 1 By this shall all men know that ye are my dis- 
ciples, if ye have love one towards another ;' and ' we know 
that we have passed from death to life, because we love the 
brethren.' But the question is, Who is my brother % Is it 
one who has been baptized ? goes to the communion-table ? 
talks about religion % Our Saviour tells us — Whosoever 
shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the 
same is my brother. 

" Instead of adding one pain to your already accumulated 
sufferings, I would relieve you of all — exchange your 
weakness for strength — your confinement for the pleasant 
fields. But, I apprehend, the days of my sister, if not al- 
ready gone by, are soon to be numbered. This I know 
does not alarm you. You are conversant with the dying 
hour in anticipation. * * * 

" As I said, I am seated where, by a turn of the head, I 
have a beautiful prospect. I can overlook a village once 
the scene of labours both interesting and profitable. There 
was a revival there three years ago last spring : the fruits 
still appear. It reminds me of the latter day when all 
shall know the Lord. 

" The fields and trees that meet my eye cause me to sing, 

* Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, 
Stand dress'd in living green.' 

" And the river that flows by, lifts the thoughts to the 



236 MEMOIR. 

1 pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding 
out of the throne of God and the Lamb. 1 The grazing 
sheep and their fold, speak, in association, of the good Shep- 
herd, his flock and fold above. 

" The sun has sunk beneath the horizon to illumine another 
hemisphere. Ere long our sun shall go down : may it set 
to rise resplendent in a better, brighter world. * They that 
be wise shall shine forth as the sun ; and they that turn 
many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever.' How 
happy his lot who takes his departure to meet the souls, 
whom, under God, he has sent to heaven ! O, there is 
meaning beyond expression in what my soul hath felt in 
this view ! — Pray, still pray, that a great company of sin- 
ners, redeemed from among men, may at last praise God 
for my instrumentality. May you be among the wise that 
win souls, 

" The blowing of the wind reminds me of the sailor-boy, 
perhaps, far off at sea, becalmed, or wafted by the breeze, or 
tossed by the tempest ; now he mounts up to heaven, then 
goes down again to the depths. Let our sails be wide 
spread to catch every breeze of heaven; nor need we 
take in when the gales of grace blow upon them. As 
one watches the pole-star to prove his course correct, so let 
us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Thus 
we shall run clear — make our voyage — enter the haven, 
fully laden — cast anchor, and lie safely moored for ever. * * * 

" I thank God for his goodness in permitting an acquaint- 
ance between souls so congenial, in this the house of our 
pilgrimage. Our communion has been holy ; be it perpe- 
tuated above. I think I was enabled to acquiesce in the will 
of God. I could, and in a degree unknown before, bless 
him for making us mutual blessings. That you had been 
made a blessing to me, did not seem so strange ; but that / 
should have been made a blessing to you, seems strange in- 
deed. The Lord knoweth the mean view I have of myself. If 
alive, (for I know not but I was thinking of one in heaven,) 
I wrestled for heaven's blessing to descend and abide with 
you; and I was blessed in pleading for my dear sister, to 
whom, as never before, did I feel a binding of soul, in 
Christian fellowship. 

"From this situation, so pleasant, I could descry a scene- 
ry more captivating than any seen by mortal eye. Through 
faith, I took a view of the house not made with hands, and 
anticipated the day when I should at least hear you sing, 
20* 



MEMOIR. 



237 



and see you bow before the throne. Yes, my sister, if 1* 
should be at a distance, do you strive to get near the 
throne. 

" You recollect I mentioned one whose soul seems full of 
love. * * O, for a host of self-denying, cross-bearing, humble, 
Bible sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. 

" It rains — may a shower of grace come to you. May 
the Holy Ghost descend in his influences upon you like 
drops of dew. May you be as a well watered garden, pro- 
ducing abundantly the fruits of righteousness. * * * * 

" I was asked to-night, by a minister, * What is saving 
faith V I answered him in holy language : 4 It is that faith 
which worketh by love, purifieth the heart, and overcometh 
the world.' How exemplified is this faith in some Chris- 
tians : Alas ! that they are so rare. Let these characteris- 
tics of the devoted servant of God, and all the lineaments of 
the dear Redeemer, be manifested in us. If there should 
be but one on earth, ought you not to be the one, who should 
have the whole mind of Christ % Then would be seen in 
your every relation of life, what proves the reality, beauty, 
and excellency of the religion you profess." 

The following letter, addressed, principally, to the wife of 
a beloved brother, when she was expected to die, is so full of 
piety, and faith, and love, that no one can read it, with a se- 
rious mind, without admiring the writer, or rather the grace 
of God in him. 

" 17th Nov, 1825. 

" Your letter, dear brother, came this morning, with in- 
telligence which J did not at all expect, Shall I tell you 
the train of thought it excited ? — That you would be com- 
panionless — your children motherless — that R.'s happy 
spirit, like an uncaged bird, would fly away, and be at rest. 

" Were you, my dear brother, were you, as some are, I 
would not write as I do. 4 But ye, who were some time 
darkness, are now light in the Lord.' And I write this for 
your comfort. And if your dear wife and my dear sister 
be alive, and you think it for her comfort, read it to her, as 
perhaps the last epistle of James to her, just going into 
eternity. 

" I will address it to her. Sister R., dear sister, forgive 
all my unfaithfulness to you, and once more pray that I 
may be blessed with holiness and wisdom. 



2B8 



MEMOIR. 



" Little did I think of your being the first of our house- 
hold that would probably be called away. Little did I 
think that you would be the first to enjoy the privilege of 
entering heaven. 

" It is taken for granted that your soul is prepared for its 
exit. This is what each one must be concerned about for 
himself; for as you know, as individuals, we stand account- 
able to God for our conduct here ; as individuals we must 
die ; and as individuals we must be judged. 

" Persuaded of your acceptance through Christ, stand, 
stand firmly. Throwing yourself into the arms of Jesus, 
wait, wait patiently. Leaning on the bosom of Jesus, fear 
no harm ; for he hath said, ' If I go away, I will come again 
and receive you unto myself.' 

" When I remember that God has an economy of grace, 
as well as of nature — that the kingdom of grace is governed 
by a Holy King, himself the Lawgiver, I am consoled ; for 
certain I am that he will act so as to constrain all his sub- 
jects to see that he hath done all things well. Hence, my 
sister, should he call you away, I cannot but acquiesce, and 
say, ' The Lord reigneth.' However much you are beloved 
on earth, you would go where you would be loved much 
more — -enjoy a holy society in a holy place, and be employed 
in rendering a perfect service to your God and mine. Hence, 
however much / love you, and were it the will of God, I 
would detain you here long, I would be the first to sing, 
though with streaming eyes, 

{ 'Tis finish/d, the conflict is past, 

The heaven-born spirit is fled, 
Her wish is accomplish'd at last, 

And now she's entomb'd with the dead: 
The months of affliction are o'er, 

The days and the nights of distress ; 
We see her in anguish no more ; 

She's gain'd her happy release.' 

" Should I hear of your death, I would look up and thank I 
God, that now instead of earth, paradise is yours. I would 
think of you as a happy spirit that had entered ' through the 
gate into the city.' Having overcome, and being seated 
with Christ on his throne, you would, as a spirit, commune 
with God — commune with angels who are ministering 
spirits — commune with saints who have gone up through 
great tribulation, and who are the spirits of the just made 
perfect. — Think too, of some of your friends, who have died 



MEMOIR. 



239 



in the faith — of those who follow after, but above all of Jesus 
whom you shall see as he is. * * 

" When on the Mount Zion above, whether you shall look 
down on things below or not, think of James, and praise the 
name of the Lord for the blessings I have received — the ear- 
nest of the heavenly rest. What the employments of the saints 
are, you will know more particularly, ' when on Zion you 
stand.' Of this you may be as certain as you are certain that 
you are a child of God — you shall behold a wonderful sight 
Father, said Jesus, I will that they whom thou hast given 
me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory. 

M To comfort you and your afflicted husband, remember 
the laws of the kingdom : * Thy statutes have been my song, 
in the house of my pilgrimage.' How often was this the 
case with David in his affliction. One law of the kingdom 
is, that the subjects of Zion's King, must enter heaven — but „ 
he, even our God and King, hath reserved to himself the 
right of ordering for his subjects. Would we be at our own 
disposal ? We feel safest in his hand. Then as it is appointed 
to men once to die, who can rightly designate the time and 
circumstances 1 God, who sees the end from the beginning ; 
or we, who know not what a day may bring forth ? Be 
comforted ; let not your heart be troubled. I hope to have a 
mansion too. Then whether you or I be called first, seeing 
that the will of God is done, what should we be concerned 
about, but a full preparation for heaven % 

" If you recover, we will be thankful. If you die, may you 
be calmly dismissed, or go with a shout, as it is appointed. 
As the entrance is ministered, is it not all one whether we 
die calmly or exultingly % In this, as in other things, let the 
will of the Lord be done. 

" I am glad that you can give up your family ; if in the 
hands of the Lord, they are safe. And surely they are at 
his disposal, as we are ourselves. 

" Finally, my sister — my sister, with whom I have sung — 
with whom I have prayed and wept, farewell — we love one 
another till death — dying I will not forget thee — I will re- 
member all your sisterly affection — your kind hospitality ; 
and when my work shall be done, I will hope to meet you 
at the right hand of God — An affectionate adieu — If you have 
a dying message for me, leave it with J. 

" Brother, in conclusion, I think all I can say on this 
occasion, is, the will of the Lord be done. The wave may 
yet roll back upon you great things which you have not 
21 



240 



MEMOIR. 



known. This may be the vehicle in which shall be con- 
veyed the greatest blessings : only trust in God. 4 Be still, 
and know that I am God,' saith Jehovah. He hath been 
with you; and although clouds and darkness are round 
about him, yet justice and judgment are the habitation 
of his throne. Therefore be not faithless but believing. 
Look for a happy issue out of all your troubles. 

" Your sympathizing brother, 

44 James." 

We close the records of the year 1825, with copious ex- 
tracts from two letters, addressed to several members of Mr. 
Taylor's family. The first to F., E., and A., then at school 
in New Haven. 

" Nassau Hall, 2d December, 1825. 

* # # <t you have doubtless known the course of sis- 
ter R.'s illness. On the Wednesday previous to my leav- 
ing Princeton for New York, brother J. wrote, 4 Probably 
before this reaches you our dear R. will commence the song 
of angels.' I answered this letter, and addressed one to her, 
which was read to her, * -* * and she was melted to 
tears. 4 O,' said she, 4 1 love James; tell him from me, that 
now I can go with him into heaven— not until this affliction, 
could I see as he saw, but now I can rise with him to the 
top of Pisgah.' I say not these things to exalt myself, but 
to magnify the grace of God. 

44 From her own account of herself, it seems, that during 
her illness, till the Tuesday before, she had not enjoyed 
what she believed to be her privilege, and for which she had 
been hungering and thirsting. She desired to partake of 
the sacrament, not knowing but that might be the channel 
through which the river of life would flow into her soul, 
sweeping away in its course every obstruction. If I mistake 
not, Tuesday was the day. Before the ordinance was ad- 
ministered, the room to her appeared to be filled with the 
glory of God, and her soul was lighted up with the bright- 
ness of his coming. She was at full liberty. 4 If the Son 
shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.' She could 
say in a higher sense than before, 4 1 waited patiently for the 
Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He 
brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry 
clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings ; 



MEMOIR. 



241 



and he hath put a new song into my mouth, even praise to 
my God.' 

" Before this, she had very composedly taken leave of all. 
Her husband had received her dying message, and apparently 
heard her sigh the last adieu. Her children listened to her 
dying counsel ; on the verge of eternity she spoke to all, 
and they were melted to tears. * * # 

" Wednesday night there was a favourable change. And 
it was when man had given her up — when she had re- 
joiced in the prospect of being in eternity in an hour — 
when the shroud and the coffin were full in view that 
God interposed. He spake, and it was done. 

' Back from the borders of the grave 

At thy command she's come ; 
Nor did she urge a speedier flight 

To her celestial home.' 

" You will conclude that I enjoyed a pleasant season with 
her, in our converse, and in songs of praise and prayer. In- 
deed, it was a ' green pasture,' where were fed not only 
those who were around her more immediately ; but other 
sheep of the same fold went in and out, and found pasture. 
Upon this green spot — green, because of the divine influ- 
ence in the showers of grace, and the shining of the 'Sun 
of righteousness' — upon this green spot there was herbage, 
of which the pastor also partook and was refreshed. The 
circle in which they moved was tenderly affected, and 
seemed awake to set their house in order. To brother J. 
it has been a glorious visitation. With his companion, he 
seemed neither above nor below the will of God. To mother, 
it has been, as she expressed it, in all her grief a happy sea- 
son. To our father it has proved a time of refreshing. To 
me it has been the occasion of setting my affections on 
things above, yet more than ever. Has not this visitation 
been fraught with mercies to you — each of you ? That it 
may prove yet more the means of good to us individually, 
let us each lay it to heart : I mean her experience. She 
wondered that she had not come into such a blessing 
before. 

" In her case we have the encouragement to ask and 
expect great blessings. To this is superadded, ' great and 
precious promises.' Let one full of import be recited: 
1 Call unto me, and I will answer, and show thee great and 
mighty things which thou hast not known.' After all we 
21 



242 



MEMOIR. 



have known, there are still * great and mighty things. 1 
After all that we see, still the promise is good. If 1 great 
and mighty things' be not in the experience of each, on 
whom shall the blame rest? Let us seek not low at- 
ntaiments, but great and mighty uprisings towards heaven. 

" From R.'s faithfulness in sickness, let us learn the im- 
portant lesson of being faithful in health. And in all we do, 
let us ask, how will this appear on my dying bed 1 Thus 
may we be led to act, not with a view to man's judgment, 
but in accordance with the will of God. * * 

" If our sister be restored, still it remains for some one of 
our number to lead the way to the bar of God. You know 
that a part of my grave clothes were once made. How soon 
the winding sheet may be my attire, or yours, who can tell ? 
But sure the funeral knell may soon tell our departure. 
How solemn is that sound: 'Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, 
dust to dust!' 

" Let us, in minding our duty, keep where our sister would 
keep, viz. near to God in secret, near to God in all our 
intercourse with others ; for, holding converse with him, 
we shall be transformed into his likeness — the more like 
God, the more holy — the more holy, the more happy, and 
the better fitted for a heaven, whose glory is holiness. 
Then, living or dying, all will be well. 

( I'm glad that I was born to die.' 

M Do you each see your way clear. Is it lighted up with 
glory as you pass along ? or are you walking in darkness ? 
Then you must stumble — you must halt. O, it cannot be other- 
wise. And if it be thus, I beseech you, with a brother's love, 
and as though they were my dying words, remove the stum- 
bling-blocks. Find out, bring to light, and slay every enemy. 
Harbour not one — no, not one disloyal subject. Let Jesus 
be King, and let him reign without a rival. O, how many, 
for the indulging of one sin, have prevented conviction and 
conversion; and for want of these, how many have sunk to 
hell! And tell me of a darker sign in a professor, than 
one sin of any kind indulged. Should not that be enough 
to lead him to question his being in a gracious state? 
My brother — my sisters, witness my determination ; God 
being my helper, I will love and serve him. It is my choice. 
Be ye also more than ever determined. As a family, and 
as individuals, let us live to God. Give to the vain, the 
vanities of time. Give to the worldling, its ' fleeting show/ 



MEMOIR, 



243 



Let the lovers of pleasure grasp at a phantom. Be it ours 
to seek and possess the chief good ; lay up treasure in 
the heavens, and reach for the prize. Then, as a family 
and as individuals, we shall answer the end of our being — 
live in the fear and love of God, die exulting, and wing our 
way to the paradise above. There, if not below, I will 
wait to meet you. 

" With a brother's love, 

" James B. Taylor." 
" Nassau Hall, 29th December, 1825. 

" Dear Brother, 

" Your letter has come to hand. No item called forth 
more grateful emetions, than the testimony of your having 
more sensibly the presence of the Lord. Indeed, I praise 
the God of our salvation, for his love to my brother in this 
respect. I trust you will be baptized, not many days hence, 
yet more copiously. May you have gospel measure. 

" I have abundant cause for increasing gratitude that the 
good Shepherd feeds me in green pastures. Time glides 
sweetly away. It is so completely filled up with one engage- 
ment succeeding another, that I forget the day of the month, 
and sometimes stop to inquire the day of the week. Let it 
fly. The sooner we shall be wafted over. The ministry 
is yet my darling object. 

" Of late I have rejoiced that there is an eternity— a glori- 
ous eternity. Separated now, there we shall mingle, and 
with saints and angels join. How then should we act on 
earth ! O had disembodied spirits to act over another life, 
how active would they be ! Brother, what would the saint 
who died rich, now do with his money were he here ? 
Would the thousands that have been scattered to the winds 
by prodigal heirs be again put into their hands % or would 
they be sacredly disposed of for God % How much better, 
8 in that day,' to be found among those who have been more 
solicitous to furnish the church with able ministers of the 
New Testament, than to adorn after generations with vanity ! 
And who dare say, that by doing more for God, and less for 
heirs, souls would not have been saved." * # 

Contrary to the intimation before given, that we would 
close the year with the foregoing extracts, we present the 
following from Mr. Taylor's diary, in which his communion 
with God, and resignation to the divine will, shine conspi- 
21* 



244 



MEMOIR. 



cuously, and are worthy of the imitation of all that come 
after him. 

"30th Dec, 1825. — Had at evening devotion, an uncom- 
mon blessing, such in kind and degree, as perhaps I never 
had before. I sang, 

* Hail sovereign love that first began. 

" Being led to examine whether I could acquiesce in the 
will of God, I asked ; (but it seemed as if He put the ques- 
tion j) * Could you, were God to say, desist from your pur- 
suit, could you relinquish the ministry ?' My reply was, 
Lord, thou knowest this touches me in the tender est point — 
yet I could yield at thy bidding— go to the plough, or to the 
most servile employment. To me it seemed, that my will 
was wholly resolved into the will of God. It was a holy 
talk with heaven, and beyond expression sweet. Gratitude 
inexpressible filled my heart, and struggled for utterance. 
I fell before the Lord in my accustomed kneeling-place, 
and attempted a thank-offering. * * * * 

" Had an opportunity to talk faithfully to a candidate for 
the ministry. I told him, that with my present views, it would 
never do for me to live and act as most ministers do. O what 
an account will sleeping watchmen give ! And how will 
ministers appear, if at last they should cry out, Lost — lost 
for ever ! Lord, give me holiness and wisdom. 

" I will hope to lay out myself for God. I would rather 
lay me down and die than live to dishonour thee." 

1836. 

We cannot better present the subject of this Memoir to 
our readers, at the beginning of another year, than by giv- 
ing some extracts from his diary, and from what he has 
taught us to call his new year's gifts to his parents, bro- 
thers, and sisters. 

"Jan. 1st. — Sabbath evening — Have just risen from my 
kneeling-place, where I thanked the Lord, at the remem- 
brance of his mercies — for food and raiment — for health — 
for the use of all my senses — for the privilege of living, 
alone — for literary advantages, books, and instructors. And 
the visits of his love the past year have been frequent — my 
record speaks of some. I have not recorded all, nor all my 



MEMOIR, 



245 



aberrations. My record is on high. The Lord knoweth. 
Clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, it is enough. 

" I thanked the Lord for my parents — that they have been 
spared — my brothers and sisters too. Although sickness 
hath entered our borders and threatened the removal of two 
of our number, they both live. 

" I thanked the Lord for benefactors, praying friends, and 
correspondents. 

" My prayer was, and is repeated — Lord bless me this 
year also. Show me * great and mighty things that I know 
not.' Bless me not only, but make me a blessing to my breth- 
ren in the college — make me a blessing to the college — to 
the town — to my relations and friends. Bless the church — 
the sons of Levi — the candidates for the ministry — scatter 
light among the nations of the earth. Great things have 
been witnessed during the past year. * * # 

" This has been an indescribably happy new year's day 
to me. 

" While the brethren were at prayer in my room this 
morning (as usual on Sunday morning) a letter was left on 
my desk by the servant, of which the following is a copy : 

{ Sir— You are suspected d d strongly of having informed the faculty 

of the misdemeanours of several of the students. The evidence against you, 
though circumstantial, is of the strongest kind. You will for the future 
be strictly watched, and therefore it will be prudent for you to visit your 
brothers, the tutors, as seldom as possible ; for if detected, your punish- 
ment is inevitable. Do not treat this with levity. If you do, you must 
smfer the consequences? .. 

" I was a little surprised at such a letter ; but the charity 
that 1 beareth all things' was in exercise. * * * * 

" My soul yearned for the unknown individual who wrote 
the above letter. I longed with weeping eyes and groans 
. which could not be uttered — to see him a returning prodigal. 
My heart broke too for the college. The exercise was more 
earnest than ever before for those around me, yet my will 
was absorbed in the will of God— I saw that it belonged to 
him to work salvation. My soul was lifted up with its long- 
ings for a blessing on the preaching to-day, and with stream- 
ing eyes I arose, at the ringing of the bell, and hastened to 
hear the word. Shall we not see better days ? 

" I wrote on the afore3aid letter, * Greater is he that is 
for me, than all they that are against me.' ' He giveth his 
angels charge concerning thee, lest at any time thou dash 
thy foot against a stone.' I add, * Who shall harm you, if ye 
21* 




be followers of that which is good. The Lord is on our j 
side.' * * * 

" A report is in circulation that an individual had said, 
he should consider himself bound to report to the faculty, 
the bad conduct of students. Though I am not the person 
who said this, if it was ever said, probably the suspicion 
has fallen on me, Amen. They meant it for evil : God 
meant it for good. A great blessing has come to me through 
an emissary of Satan. — O how would my arms of love open 
to him, if he would come to Christ. O for the descent of 
the Holy Ghost. 

" Wrote my usual new year's letter to our family." 

" Nassau Hall, January 1st, 1826. 

" As usual, I suppose my parents, brothers, and sisters, 
will be expecting a new year's letter. They shall not be 
disappointed — A happy new year to you all — To me it has 
happily begun. 

" To us, collectively and individually, the year 1825 has 
been fraught with good. Prosperity has been within our 
borders. Called, indeed, to talk of judgments, we have sung . 
of mercies. All, but perhaps none more than James, are 
laid under renewed obligations to love and serve the Lord. 

" Recounting the goodness of God to me, I firid that it 
reaches to the clouds. # * * * * But * when on Zion 
we stand,' we hope to talk of all his goodness. You have 
had my testimony already of some of those manifestations 
I have enjoyed. Suffice.it for the present to say, 

' The more thy glory strikes mine eyes 

The lower I shall lie, 
Thus while I sink, my soul shall rise 

Immeasurably high.' 

" I thank our God that he has continued our parents with 
us another year — our parents, always beloved by us all. 
They have fostered us — they have trained us up — -they have 
wept for us — they have prayed for us — they love us. May 
their declining sun shine yet fair, and set in splendour. 
Methinks I hear my parents say, we will praise the Lord; 
yes, we will praise the Lord for all his goodness to us and 
ours. If we listen to your testimony, shall we not hear you 
witness to the visits of our heavenly Father ? O yes, you 
each know what it is to hold fellowship with the Father and 
with his Son Jesus Christ. You know what it is to hold 



MEMOIR. 



247 



converse with God in secret ; and doubtless the daily desire 
of your hearts, is, 1 Evermore give us this bread;' nor do I 
doubt that your daily prayer goes up for our advance in the 
way of holiness. * * * * 

" Shall brother E. and sister M. see this ? A happy 
new year to them. * * * I need not repeat here, what you 
often converse on, together. Every minister, and every 
minister's wife, must think of souls under their care — souls 
to be trained for heaven, who are already in the way, and 
souls yet in their sins. * # # 

" Brother F., how do you live in college? I do not hear 
from you. Are you getting much knowledge upon your 
knees ? 1 And they shall all be taught of God.' Take the 
promise that I have taken. 1 Call unto me, and I will an- 
swer.' Live so in college, that when you graduate, you 
may stand beside your brother, and with him tell the world 
Ithat there is no place more eligible for advancement in holi- 
ness, than college. O, let us 1 die daily' to the world, and 
have our souls so imbued with that knowledge which does 
i not come from books, that,, Moses like, others may see that 
we have been with God. Then, as before Moses, sinners 
will tremble before us. O, for a holy unction. * * * 

" In the commencement of this new year, let us all be so- 
lemn. With many it is a day of mirth. * * * Let us 
think on our latter end. We shall find it profitable to do it 
frequently. Is once a week too often ? For one, I believe, I 
try to do it daily. I go to the grave-yard for this : I sit on 
the tomb stones, and read, 1 Here lies,' and think on my 
shroud and coffin — the tolling bell — the funeral procession — 
the open grave — the falling earth — I love to die in imagina- 
tion. There is nothing more interesting to me than death 
scenes. I know not indeed that my parents shall surround 
my dying bed ; nor that my brothers or sisters shall watch 
my parting breath. I am not worthy of their kind offices ; 
I may die, a stranger in a strange land. But what v of this % 
To lie beside my fathers' sepulchres would indeed be grate- 
ful : but one point of the earth is as near to heaven as ano- 
ther ; and, although we may not rise from the same burying 
place, the same trumpet shall awaken us, and we shall 
arise to the same heaven. Let us try to bring death very 
near, and for several reasons. 1st. That we may fix our 
faith more firmly on the doctrines of the Bible : the doc* 
trines of men will not stand in a dying hour. 2d. That 
our worldly pursuits may be rightly regulated. 3d. That 



248 



MEMOIR. 



we may seek more earnestly, full preparation. 4th. That 
when afflicted we may the better sustain it. 5th. That we 
may forgive and act towards all, as becometh the dying. 
Redeem the time, and so be ever ready and waiting for the 
coming of the Son of man. 

" To conclude. Let us in entering upon any business 
inquire whether it be lawful. Let all worldly attachments 
and pursuits hang loosely about us. Let our houses be set 
in complete order. Let us begin nothing of which we have 
not well considered the end. When you shall have read 
this, I wish each of you to go aside and pray for 

" James." 

Diary, 3d January. — " Am truly blessed of God — before 
the commencement of service. The usual Tuesday even- 
ing meeting — I sat musing and invoking a blessing. * * 
The Lord came apparently with his servant — as he prayed 
my soul seemed to gain new vigour — and while we sung, 
But as he spoke, a heavenly influence dropped — distilled — 
poured into my soul. * * The Holy Ghost seemed to come 
down — and I felt hot with hallowed fire. It was an increase 
upon the blessing of last sabbath — for it was a struggle for 
souls. The subject was, ' God tries the patience of his chil- 
dren.' I felt that mine had been tried, and longed for his 
coming. His address being finished, I prayed. It was 
still a solemn time, and the divine influence seemed to in- 
crease—while this was the burden of our prayers : Ho- 
liness for ourselves, and conversion and holiness for the im- 
penitent. 

li Spent a couple of hours in his room with the preacher 
and brother J., where I gained new vigour, exultation, and 
triumph, and some practical knowledge. 

" Received a letter which made my soul leap for joy. 
How thankful I ought to be for the addition of this acquaint- 
ance, during the last year. It will doubtless be consummated 
in heaven. The Lord blesses us, and makes us a blessing 
to each other." 

To his venerable friend, the Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss, Mr. 
Taylor wrote, on the 15th January, an interesting and most 
affectionate letter, from which we favour our readers with 
the following extracts : 



memoir. 



249 



" Nassau Hall, 15th January, 1826. 

To my reverend, my esteemed f riend, 

" and the church in his house : 

" I need not tell you how often I have perused those two 
letters received from my venerated father in the gospel, nor 
say that they are among the most valued of my letters re- 
ceived. Think then how much I have desired a third and 
a fourth. Almost a year has elapsed since the date of the 
last. * * * My affection for you all will not allow me to 
suppose that I shall intrude by once more breaking in upon 
a leisure half hour of yours. 

" If not too late, a happy new year to you, and your dear 
family. How gladly would I spend this evening with you 
in recounting the mercies of the last year. * * * To you it 
has been full of loving kindness — your family circle has 
been - unbroken — your happy mansion has been screened 
from 'the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the de- 
struction that wasteth at noon-day,' while others have been 
called to follow their inmates to the narrow house, you all 
live. * * * * 

" Believing that you still take as deep interest in your 
young friend, as when you wrote, * My family, with many 
pleasant recollections, unite with me in the best wishes and 
prayers, for your best welfare and highest usefulness,' I 
need not apologize for speaking a little of myself ; for to 
me the year 1825 has been signalized with many blessings. 
I Ten thousand, thousand precious gifts, my daily thanks 
employ.' Almost uninterrupted health — local privileges, 
heaven nigh — special baptisms of the Holy Ghost, pro- 
ducing quietness and confidence, in which for the most part 
has been my strength, 

1 Through all eternity to thee 

A grateful song I'll raise, 
But, O eternity's too short 

To utter all thy praise. 5 

" I might specify particular blessings, but it would extend 
beyond the bounds of a letter. With me, now as you read, 
give thanks to Him whose mercy endureth for ever. 

" One of the richest blessings during the past year, came 
in the application of this promise. * Call upon me, and I 
will answer, and show thee great and mighty things which 
thou kno west not.' O, it was glorious, glorious beyond de- 
scription. At some time previous, perhaps two weeks, I 
opened Clark on the Promises. This, among others, I read, 



250 



MEMOIR. 



I treasured it up in my memory — I believed it — I took God 
at his word. I plead it before him — When applied, it was 
great and mighty in a degree of which I knew nothing be- 
fore. I knew not but the hour of my departure had come. 
It seemed as if my soul was breathing itself out of the 
body. * * * 

" During the past year my call to preach the gospel 
has been made so satisfactorily plain that there is not the 
shadow of a doubt on my mind. * Wo is me, if I preach not 
the gospel.' Like other rich blessings, it came with groans 
which could not be uttered. O, for a letting into our souls, 
the powerful, availing, inwrought prayer — what strength 
does it give the Christian ! How it prepares for an attack 
from the world, the flesh, or the devil ! What a staff in his 
walks of usefulness ! 

" You are friendly to a candidate's exercising his gifts in 
public. To me it appears to be an essential part of his pre- 
paratory training. Its advantages you have long consider- 
ed. To corroborate my assertion, I could mention the case 
of a clergyman now occupying an important station as a 
pastor. In his preparatory course he was shut up in the 

city of a close student. Soon after being licensed to 

preach, he was ordained over the flock he now feeds. He 
wrote and read his sermons. In the pulpit he was ortho- 
dox, pious, learned — But in the lecture room I was told he 
could not proceed. 

" To this kind of training I have devoted some time in 
the town, as well as in college. 

" As a proof of Paul's apostleship, he pointed to his suc- 
cess. To the Corinthians he said, * The seal of mine apos- 
tleship are ye, in the Lord.' Shall I tell you? It is with 
diffidence, lest you should think me forward and vain. But 
I will not glory of myself. It is a chain in GooVs provi- 
dence j the hook was fastened upon a very minute circum- 
stance — one link was added to another. * * * One sinner 
was converted, and another, and so on to the eighth. Seven 
have since joined the church. Was I not happy in attend- 
ing upon the baptism of some, and in sitting down with them 
at the table of our Lord? * * Perhaps, last spring, I labour- 
ed besides my studies, as much as some who are more fully 
in the vineyard. It was a season full of interest. From 
week to week I now try to act, in my degree, the part of an 
under-shepheid towards those lambs. May you, my dear 
sir, see them in paradise. 



MEMOIR. 



251 



" The scenes witnessed at Rahway, last spring vacation, 
form a pleasing association with the year 1825. There, as 
you may have known, I spent most of five weeks. O what a 
time, when to a room full of young converts I said, * Final- 
ly, brethern, farewell. 1 # * # Time glides smoothly — swiftly; 
studies pleasant for the most part. The New Testament in 
the original, for the study of which I have the best critical 
helps, I read with pleasure, and I hope with profit ; this I 
do daily ; I long to be * mighty in the scriptures. 1 True, a 
minister may be this, and yet without grace — may be like 
the sign of an inn. For as the one points out a resting 
place for the wayfaring man, and yet itself stands without, 
so a graceless minister may point out the resting place, and 
give some good entertainment for the pilgrim, and yet him- 
self be blasted with the storms of an eternal night. Oh ! how 
many, like the bells of their churches, may have called for 
others to enter, and may have succeeded, and yet have not 
entered themselves into the ark ! It was a saying of Hilary, 
Sanctiores sunt aures plebis quam corda sacerdotum ; which 
may be freely rendered, How many holy sounds are in the 
ears of the people, that never affected the hearts of the priests. 

M Let the burden of your united prayer for me be, that 
I may be holy and wise. Holy, to enter heaven ; and wise, 
to win souls. I have not said the half I would, nor in the 
manner intended ; but you have the effusions of a heart over- 
flowing with its best feelings ; for I owe you a weight of 
love. When I think of that stopping place, there are asso- 
ciated all your cordial receptions, from my * first entering 
in unto you ? — all your more than hospitable entertainments — 
all your affectionate adieus, to one unworthy to come under 
your roof. Farewell — I long to see you all. 1 Happy sea- 
sons we have seen.' But adieu. r**s 

"James B. Taylor." 

Diary. " 3d February. — A month has elapsed since I 
wrote in my journal. I sometimes fear I am partial in not 
entering minutely into all my exercises. But I only record 
special visitations of God ; and hope, in their review from 
time to time, I may be able afresh to realize * the good hand 
of the Lord, which has been upon me for good.* * # * 

"About noon to-day I went to seek a nearer view of 
him whom my soul loveth, by reading the tract, *A choice 
drop of honey from the Rock Christ ; or a word of advice 
to all saints and sinners.' 
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252 



MEMOIR. 



" After dining I mused and read again. I longed for the 
coming of the Beloved — I cast myself before the Lord in 
my blessed kneeling place, and felt that I owed God more 
than ten thousand talents, and had not one ; no, not one to 
pay — poor — poor indeed. With a clear view of the demerit 
of sin, I could point to Jesus, and say, there is my only plea. 
It was enough, for long since hath the Father said, ' In him 
am I well pleased.' The indescribable breakings of my 
heart in laying hold on God, are known to the Giver. It 
was a sweet — melting season. Sin never, perhaps, appear- 
ed so odious. It was in my view the great evil ; and my 
only groanings, which at times could hardly be uttered, were 
for wisdom and holiness. My every load was taken off — I 
smiled under the light of my Father's countenance, and 
glory — glory as a stream went out in return for so great a 
blessing. It had come from God, and now it was going 
back to God. Yet on my knees, my soul was again melted 
in view of the goodness of God. 

"To-night attended my meeting in town, which was so- 
lemn. 

" Had a most precious season before the Lord while read- 
ing the tract, 'The Church Safe.' The strongest desire 
excited was, that God would glorify himself, through my 
instrumentality. Spent part of the evening in visiting a sick 
friend, whose soul seemed refreshed. Upon my leaving her 
she said, 4 You have been my best physician to-day.' I 
hardly ever saw so visible a change in any one, as in her 
during my visit. * * Another proof that they that wait upon 
the Lord shall renew their strength. 

" Wrote to Mr. D. and family." 

From that letter we make the following extract. After 
giving an account of the communications of grace mentioned 
in the foregoing quotations from the diary, Mr. Taylor thus 
addressed these Christian friends: 

" So far as I can see, this appears to be the order in which 
blessings sometimes come upon me. The Lord gives me to see 
my meanness, unworthiness, nothingness, and ill desert, until 
brought into the deepest humiliation. Then opens Christ's 
beauty, worth, fulness, and his raising the sinner as high as 
his sins would sink him low. Then with streaming eyes, bro- 
ken heart, groans unutterable, the soul longs for the coming in 
of God — pants for the overflowi?ig of the cooling stream — has 



MEMOIR. 



253 



an unction from the Holy One — is unburdened wholly — -filled 
with the Spirit, whose fruit abounds in love, and peace, and 
joy. # * * Such a visit of love I experienced yesterday. 
Sometimes while musing the fire burns — the Father smiles — 
and communion is sweet. Thus, for the most part, my soul 
is kept in * quietness and confidence.' O, to be partakers of 
his holiness. ***** 

" 7th. — I proposed to a few fellow-students, and would 
propose to the whole Christian world, that they would each, 
in some sort, comply with the declaration of the Psalmist, 
' That prayer shall also be made continually for him,' at 
twelve o'clock each day — say from the heart, * Thy kingdom 
come.' 

" This morning did that for which I felt condemned. It 
was when off my guard. I raised my cry to the Lord, and 
trust he heard me. Learned anew the lesson, 4 Watch and 
pray, lest ye enter into temptation.' No one was injured 
by my sin. Lord, cleanse thou me from secret faults. 

"At evening devotion had a blessed refreshing. Sung, 
1 Thou only Sovereign of my heart.' 

Looking at the watchmen on Zion's walls, my heart bled 
for bleeding Zion. Considered Jesus as the grand Archi- 
tect — as fully equal to the great work — and felt persuaded 
that the temple would be completed, however unfaithful and 
unskilful the under workmen might be. My heart broke 
with desire for the bringing in of a more devoted ministry. 
I saw that He could purify the present ministry, and make 
them all holy, laborious men — not men-pleasers. * * * 

" In looking at myself, I felt indescribably mean in my 
own eyes, and cried out, Oh my ignorance ! and saw that it 
must be of the Lord if ever I preach the gospel. With 
streaming eyes I rose to fall in my kneeling place, repeating, 

' Low at thy feet my soul would lie ; 

Here safety dwells, and peace divine ; 
Still let me live beneath thine eye, 

For life, eternal life, is thine.' 

I bowed with groanings which could not be uttered, and 
rose praising the Lord. 

" 1 ltL— Night before last I got away from God, by sinning 
against him. Alas ! how aggravated my sin, after such 
overpowering visits of love ! Surely I ought never more to 
have offended him. Since then, but more particularly to- 
day, till noon, I felt wounded to the quick. Being enabled 
22 



254 



MEMOIR. 



at noon, while reading a tract, to arraign myself more closely 
at the bar of conscience, I plead guilty — fell at the feet of 
Sovereign mercy, and God was abundantly gracious to a 
rebellious child. He restored my soul. He delivered me out 
of all my distresses. 

"At evening devotion, after reading, kneeled where the 
heavens have so often opened over me, and let down love 
abundant, rich and free. I felt fatigued with the labours of the 
day, and expected soon to rise. I was led to supplicate for 
my father's house. I asked for the little ones, and for my 
nephews and nieces, that they might be Henry Martyns and 
Harriet Newells. Then with desire inexpressible I longed 
to be a missionary. In the midst of weeping and groaning, 
I saw that I was mean and ignorant — but that Jesus was a 
complete master-builder. My cry was to be made fit for the 
very station upon the scaffold around his temple I should 
occupy. I saw clearly that all things are possible with 
God— that he could carry me through the work even of an 
apostle. * * # Well, he knoweth what is best — and that is 
best for mt — sick or well — prosperity or adversity — rest or 
labour- — earth or heaven. Amen and amen. 

" It was pleasing to offer up my soul and body, my time, 
talents, influence, possessions, all that I am or hope to be. 
I felt that the Lord accepted the pittance I had to give, which 
I also felt was his before. I was greatly blessed, and walk- 
ing my room, praised him as the rock of my salvation. This 
room will stand a witness to my prayers, those unanswered 
are lodged above. It will also stand a witness to my follies 
in departing from the living God. But they are all forgiven. 
The praise belongeth unto God." 

On the 20th February, Mr. Taylor wrote to a Christian 
brother who also had the ministry in view. The letter con- 
tains some passages that ought to be preserved. 

" I have just come in from visiting a sick Christian— she 
is happy — sick and happy. * * Brother, in our ministerial 
sphere, should we ever be permitted to walk in it, I think 
no higher office of kindness, or badge of sonship, will be 
afforded us, than to visit the widow and fatherless in their 
affliction. This is, indeed, religion, pure and undefiled before 
God. Hence it is important that we have our memories 
stored with Hymns suitable for such occasions. * * * 

44 In my meditations this evening I thought of Moses. * * 



MEMOIR. 



255 



He had well nigh entered Canaan ; but for his sin, he was 
only permitted, from Pisgah's top, to view the promised land. 
Oh how it wrung tears from my eyes to think it possible, that 
for past sins, or through sins that I might commit, I should 
be debarred entering upon the holy ministry. I know I do 
not deserve this honour. I could sigh forth a prayer — Lord, 
whether I preach the gospel or not, purify the sons of Levi, 
and sanctify candidates for their work. 

" Perhaps I never had more confidence in God, as to the 
carrying on of his work in the world. I have not a doubt. 
Jesus will reign. And my soul has been exceeding glad. 
•Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess.'" 

Diary, 9th March. — " On the 2d and 5th was refreshingly 
visited by the kind returns of the Spirit whom I had grieved 
away. But it was only through groanings which could not 
be uttered. # # # This was only a foretaste of another love- 
feast which I enjoyed soon after, when my soul was melted 
into tenderness — captivated with holiness, and longed for 
greater likeness to Christ. My views and experience seemed 
I to coincide with Edwards', when he said, 'the heaven I 
desire, is a heaven of holiness. 1 This was only the pre- 
curser of another, and richer blessing at evening devotion. 
I have yet with the Lord an unanswered petition, then pre- 
ferred. I left it with him. I believed the Lord could bless 
me wonderfully. I believed all things were possible with 
him, And I believed he would bless me. I am waiting 
for the fulfilment of the expectation, raised within me, I trust 
by the Holy Ghost. 

" The world wanes — a whole surrender is growing in 
importance. Lord, did not I make that surrender to-day? 
Keep me — O keep me. 

" Have I sought the honours of this institution ?^ or of 
the literary society with which I am connected ? Has not my 
desire prevailed for the honour that cometh from above? 

" Shall I not have to ascribe much to the distinguishing 
grace of God, for his keeping and blessing me, in this col- 
lege? May my ambition be, to fear, love, and serve 
God, — let others take up with husks — give me Christ ; the 
smiles of my Father, the presence of my Comforter: amen 
— my loud and repeated amen. 

"19th, Sabbath. — In last evening's devotions had near- 
ness of access to God in remembering my beloved parents, 
brothers, and sisters. Felt particularly for brother f\ (now 
22* 



256 



MEMOIR, 



in Yale College,) and myself as candidates for the holy 
ministry. I could weep before the Lord for a baptism of 
holy fire to rest on us both. Together we have watched 
our Father's flock, together may we be faithful under-shep* 
herds over the flock of God. I love my brother, I trust 
God loves him. Our hearts are united. 

" Remembered those among whom I have been labouring 
from time to time. * # # What interesting groups of young 
converts have I seen, I think I have felt somewhat as Paul 
did, when he said, 'Now we live, if ye stand fast in the 
Lord. 7 — Alas ! how soon are the lambs torn in pieces ! how 
alert should the shepherd be. 

" Sabbath morning. — My soul has melted down at the 
presence of Jesus ! A pressure of love rested on me, and 
praise, praise, praise in a stream went up from my inmost 
soul ! This mystery, * Christ in you, the hope of glory,' 
has never appeared so wonderful. # * * Heaven appeared 
truly desirable. Yet I desired to live, if I might, to bring 
many souls to glory. I should love mpch to send thither 
many a band of young converts. I desired it much, even if 
at a distance I should only be a looker-on. 

" My love to God's children was greatly increased; and 
my desire for a clean heart was intense. It was given; 
and mine eyes ran down with tears — sweet tears ! 

" 24th. — 4 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest' — selected as the theme for 
my meeting this evening. Having thought upon it, it was 
applied sweetly to my own soul at evening devotion. I was 
not burdened nor weary ; but my rest was increased. 

" I have been thinking to-day upon our ships of war, as 
spheres of future labour. I have thought of them before, 
but to-day, with some desire, if God will, to engage as a 
chaplain. * A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord 
directeth his steps.' May I be a good man ; for the steps 
of a good man are ordered by the Lord. 

" 25th.— From the testimony of a brother who attended 
the party last evening, it seems that, as usual, lightness pre- 
vailed. I was invited ; but attended my party, my usual 
society meeting. Enough, enough have I had of fashionable 
tea parties to prove that, to me at least, they are unprofitable. 

me that he felt the worse for 
attending. Query, Is it right to expend money for the dis- 
sipation of the mind? To say nothing of the deleterious 
effects that such variety of viands, generally taken to satiety. 



MEMOIR. 



25? 



has upon the corporeal system, especially on persons of 
sedentary habits. I was glad of so good an apology as my 
meeting. 

" March 30th.— Memorable, memorable day ! It has been 
a day of days to me. In it much has been unspeakable and 
full of glory. On my knees I recorded my resolution, never 
more to boast save in the cross of Christ. While before the 
Lord, I have been much affected with the view o£ his over- 
whelming greatness, and of my own infinite — infinite little- 
ness. No wonder that the beloved disciple became as a 
dead man. No wonder that Moses feared and quaked. 
But it is indescribable. I have felt so infinitely unworthy, 
that I could not look up, yet my hope in God is raised on 
high. God's greatness, connected with his amazing love 
and condescension, affected me much. I indeed felt con- 
strained to say, * I am a worm, and no man.' 

" The love of Jesus, his life, sufferings, and death, and 
the opposition to him, as manifested by the impenitent, 
affected me much. 

" The holy influences of the Spirit of grace, and the re- 
membrance of ever having grieved him, affected me much, 
" To depart, and be with Christ, I felt to be desirable, 
Though so undeserving — unworthy even to be a door-' 
keeper in the house of my God here, yet I could anticipate 
the day when he would take his exile home. 

" Heaven was regarded as a holy place. I was glad in 
the prospect of holy society— God, angels, and saints. The 
thought of dying to know more, was pleasant. But at even- 
ing devotion, my will was absorbed in the will of God, 
* I give my mortal interests up, and make my God my all. 5 



Praise the Lord, O my soul. 

" April 2. — Sabbath. — * If ye then, being evil, know how 
to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall 
your Father who is in heaven, give the Holy Spirit to them 
that ask him.' This scripture was graciously applied to me 
at evening devotion, upon which I received an increase of 
the Spirit's influences. I believed, and according to my 
faith so it was. 

11 9th. — Sabbath evening. — The last Lord's day in college 
this session, and to be remembered as among the most pre- 
cious. Reviewing this session, I have much to remember, 
and more than I can record of the goodness of God to me, 
Scientific pursuits have led me into an acquaintance with 




Let all things praise him, 



22* 



£58 



MEMOIR. 



subjects before unknown to me. Lord, sanctify this know- 
ledge. 

" The study of the New Testament in the Greek has 
opened to my mind things before hid from me. Yet, deeper 
would I dig into this rich, exhaustless mine ; for the deeper, 
the more lucid and brilliant the precious gem of truth appears. 
Lord, ' sanctify me through thy truth : thy word is truth.' 
My weekly exercise with the people among whom I have 
gone labouring, with the view of stirring up any gift I may 
possess, and of edifying my little congregation, has been of 
service to me. Lord, all that was amiss, forgive j own what 
was thine ; and may fruit appear at the last day. 

" To my brethren in college, too, in our weekly assembly, 
I have not failed to be plain, pointed, and I hope affectionate. 

" To the institution as a body, I have done but little. If 
it was my duty, I have not done it. I have not gone from 
room to room, and * warned every man night and day with 
tears.' Only to a few have I been personal in my inter- 
views. Shall these dear souls be lost through my miscar- 
riage towards them ? In view of this subject, and some 
others, this day, 

" Resolved, that I will, the Lord being my helper, thi?ik, 
speak, and act, as an individual : for as such I must live — 
as such I must die, stand before God, be judged, be damned, 
or saved for ever and ever. I have been waiting for others 
to go forward. * * * I must act as if I were the only one to 
act, and wait no longer. ***** 

" The days of darkness have been few, and only when I 
slipped back from God. He has not withdrawn from me ; but 
I have most ungratefully and basely withdrawn from him. As 
the earth rolls and involves itself in darkness, so by my turn- 
ing from the Sun of righteousness, have I been involved in 
darkness; nor till turned back again, did I walk in the light, 
as he is in the light ; yet, though like Peter I fell, the Lord 
turned and looked on me again, and, like Peter, O how bit- 
terly I wept. I do not remember that I once came back, but 
with tears and groans which could not be uttered. When 
away, as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitied me. 
A father's pity to his wayward child is often manifested by the 
lifted rod ; so my heavenly Father hath ever used the disci- 
pline of the covenant, and followed me till I again felt the 
spirit of his Son, uttering in my inmost soul, 1 Abba, Father.' 

44 The days of peace have been multiplied, seasons of holy 
unction have been vouchsafed, powerfully constraining cords 



MEMOIR, 



259 



of love have bound me closer to the bosom of my Lord, 
* Clearer, more elevating, and at the same time soul-hum- 
bling- manifestations of Jesus, have been enjoyed. In a 
word, my heavenly Father has smiled most graciously; 
Jesus has showed to me his life, his labours, his sufferings 
I and death, his exaltation and intercession, and his love and 
I care for me. The Comforter has dwelt in me as his tem- 
.j pie, and I have sweetly contemplated saints and angels as 
my fature companions, and heaven as my home. With 
I increasing desire I long to enter the field, to lay out my 
strength for God. * * * * 

" Not knowing what the Lord has for me to do, I am kept 
from what, perhaps, would be as pleasant to me as to ano- 
ther, and at which some have been led to wonder. Some 
may think me stoically indifferent tothe connubial state — but 
I feaT to act prematurely. It is this which restrains me from 
taking any steps in that matter. When it is clearly one's 
duty to seek such a connexion, ^vill not a prudent wife come 
E from the Lord 1 Sometimes I think of this, and wish that 
It, ministers would see well to it, that they obtain in their com- 
. panions an increase of power to help on with their work. 

" The blessings attending our happy household increase, 
I May we ever stand fast, and always abound in the work of 
the Lord. I hope to see them soon. May I go in the ful- 
: ness of the blessing, of the gospel of peace, be blessed and 
made a great blessing to them, and to all with whom I may 
associate, 

" This has been a day of the renewal of my covenant, 
Once more I have had the most honourable seat on earth, a 
place at the Lord's table. * # It was a precious waiting 
upon God. * * * I again took the oath of allegiance, showed 
forth the Lord's death, remembered him and gave thanks. 

"May 18th, 1826. — Since writing the above, have visited 
my father's house. * * * Returning, I have now entered 
upon my last session in college. Already hath it been sig- 
nalized with a most gracious visitation ; the college opened 
this day at noon; at evening devotion, the Holy Spirit was 
vouchsafed. * * * * My heart's desire was, that this ses- 
sion might be more glorious than any before ; my prayer, 
that no blot might attach to me ; I gave my interests up to 
my faithful keeper. 

" 27th. Sabbath. — The past week has been a glorious one 
to me, with the exception of nearly a day, when I wandered 
from God in doing what I ought not to have done. The 



280 



MEMOIR. 



fruits of the Spirit, so far as they have been produced in my 
soul, have been love, joy, peace, faith, and gentleness.* 

" My seasons of prayer in the evening have been times of 
special blessing, indescribable, sometimes full of glory. My 
heart broke with the longings it had to live to and for God — 
rejoiced that Christ was in me the hope of glory. 

" Before retiring to rest last night, as usual knelt beside 
my bed. My renewed petition was, that I might possess in 
as high degree as possible in this world, the life of God in 
my soul. In the night, while asleep, I thought myself in 

company with S and another person. I arose and 

spoke * * * The Spirit of God seemed to come upon me 
in an unusual manner, and powerfully attended my words. 
# # # w hole house seemed to be filled with the Holy 
Ghost — I was overpowered and sweetly swooned away. I 
put no interpretation upon this dream. My prayer has been, 
my petition now is, Lord, go with me to my meeting ; clothe 
me with power ; give emcaoy to thy word, and let sinners 
be awakened and converted unto thee, wKil e I address them 
from 'Sirs, what shall I do to be saved? 5 When 1 awoke 
from the forementioned dream, I trembled ; I felt as if God 
had been near, and so near that I feared. * * I endeavoured 
to throw myself on his kind arms, and to wait his coming, 
when and how he should please. Even if I should lose my 
life under his manifestations, I would trust him. * * * * 

" I have been much blessed in reading Bellamy's charac- 
teristics of love to God. Was greatly refreshed before I 
went to the people this afternoon. Now I retire to rest after 
a Sabbath day richly fraught with divine blessings. O to 
hold fast whereunto I have attained. I renew my petition, 
Lord, accomplish thy will in me, and make me all that thou 

* Note by a friend. — This last trait in J. T.'s character was particu- 
larly observable. He did every thing with gentleness. It was this which 
rendered his reproofs so inoffensive and effectual, in his intercourse with 
his friends and with strangers. This characteristic, added to a familia- 
rity and playfulness peculiarly his own, rendered him the favourite of the 
children of the families in which he visited, and for whom he always mani- 
fested an affectionate regard, and would attempt to interest and benefit 
them, by relating some story from the Bible, or some striking incident in 
the history of some child he had read of, or had known. His gentleness 
appeared in all his movements ; he would even raise the latch of the door 
noiselessly. And on entering a house of prayer, or any place of religious 
worship, he walked as lightly as on tiptoe. He made this a principle of 
action, and rendered it as he desired, a habit; and would remark, when 
speaking of conducting religious worship, that this habit was most desira- 
ble in the minister, as rendering the place of meeting more impressive and 
solemn. 



MEMOIR, 



261 



wouldst have me to be in this world. I desired to-day to be 
wholly devoted to the Lord. 

"May 31st. — Heard from, and wrote to brother F. at Yale 
college." 

To that brother, himself also preparing for the ministry, the 
following letter, as just noted from his diary, was addressed 
by Mr. Taylor : 

"Nassau Hall, May 31st, 1826. 

" Dear JR, 

" Ere this you are in New Haven. To-day you com- 
mence your session. Begin it with God. Continue it with 
walking with God. Then, whether you end it or not, you 
will be found with him. Thus I commenced the session 
upon which I have entered. # * * And if I had time, I 
might testify to the loving-kindness of the Lord. Suffice it 
to say, his manifestations have been overwhelming. Praise 
him on my behalf. 

" I think the world recedes yet more and more, as God 
comes in and abides. One thing with me is paramount, and 
to this one thing I would endeavour to bend all my powers, 
that is, to preach Christ, to learn of him, and teach others, 
so as to arrive safe at heaven myself, and be the means of 
sending others there. 

" Brother, let us feel, let us ask God to impress indelibly 
on our hearts, the solemn truth that we are identified with 
this generation, and bound to serve it. Soon, say in thirty 
years, where will these millions of souls be % We are a part 
of them. What power, under God, have we over them % 
Whatever it is, let us put it all in requisition on the side 
approved of God. 

" Try to enjoy more of God in your own soul. Think 
not that you can do this, and cling to the world at all. Su- 
perfluities must be abandoned ; and when God pours salva- 
tion into the soul, every superfluity will appear to be of no 
worth. Let us give up all for a whole Christ in us, living 
and reigning there — living and reigning. O my brother, 
I heard a godly man say last evening in an address : 1 1 
believe that not one half of the professors of religion will 
ever cross the threshold of heaven. 7 Let us also beware 
lest a promise being left us of entering in, we should come 
short of it. The blessing of the Eternal rest on you and me. 

"James" 



262 



MEMOIR. 



Diary, " 4th June. — Sabbath.— The past week has not been 
so signalized as the preceding, by successive visitations. 
Last evening, had a peculiar season before the Lord. I had 
desired of God to give me a deep sense of the turpitude of sin. 
The process through which I received it was more varied 
and better felt than can be described — but it came ; and never 
did I have so clear and pungent, yet not distressing but 
loathing view of sin. It was proportioned to the discoveries 
I had of the infinite holiness of God. 

" Such a season of sweet submission of my will to the will 
of God was given, that I wept, and cried glory — glory — glory. 
This was as spontaneous as my breath. I was brought to 
see and feel my utter helplessness, as never before, and throw 
myself on God, who graciously received me and afforded 
me the communications of his love. — But my nothingness ! 
Infinite is stamped upon the amazing contrarieties. God is 
infinitely holy. One sin of mine is deserving infinite damn- 
ation. And I should have it, w r ere it not for an infinite 
merit in Jesus Christ, for whose sake the infinite God stoops 
infinitely, and takes up an infinitely unworthy, self-condemn- 
ing wretch. O where shall I find an epithet — dreg, from a 
loathsome, horrible pit, to an infinitely exalted station. If 
sons, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. 
O, glory infinite be unto the infinite God. And what do I 
profit him % O wonder of wonders ! 4 Where can a crea- 
ture hide V 

"11th June, Sabbath. # * * During the past week a 
union has been formed among the brethren to pray for the 
outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us and the college. 

" On the 7th, in the evening, had such a view of sin as to 
make me look at the least aberration as enough to induce 
me to cry, Lord, come over the mountains of my iniquities ! 
I had an application of Paul's words with a consciousness 
that I had nought — no not a particle whereof to glory ; so 
that I was enabled with an uncommon sinking and emptying 
of self to put the crown on the head of Christ. These were 
the words : ' God forbid that I should glory save in the 
cross of Christ,' &c. 

" Warm to-day, and I have felt much lassitude. May 
duties be omitted because the weather is hot ? Is this an 
excuse % 

M i8th, Sabbath. — Brother came in the evening to 

tell me of an experience he had this forenoon. He remarked 
that the enjoyment of the one hour he would not give for all 



MEMOIR. 



263 



he had ever known. From what I have heard him express 
in former conversations, and his narrative now, perhaps he 
never experienced religion till to-day. He seems happy in 
God — I advised him to say nothing of it to any other till 
he had fuller proof that it was a work of God. O that 
such instances might occur daily. Better away with rot- 
ten hopes here, than wait till the judgment and then lose 
them. 

" Lord, establish thou me in holiness and righteousness all 
the days of my life. My enjoyment during the last week 
has been peace flowing as a river. I hope I am growing 
in knowledge for personal edification and future usefulness. 
My present plan* multiplies subjects to preach upon, and 
may prove an armoury whence to draw weapons for my 
warfare, which is not carnal, but to be carried on with the 
sword of the Spirit 

" The Bible, — in contemplating its truth, I was excited to 
cry out: blessed Bible J blessed Bible! blessed Bible! It 
so much engrosses my leisure time, that other books are 
neglected. O to be mighty in the scriptures ! Here I com- 
pare * spiritual things with spiritual.' 

" Had a right feeling for one who has manifested a bad spirit 
towards me. My soul yearned for his conversion. * * * 

" O for the coming down of the Holy Ghost ! Soon I 
shall be gone from this institution. As I lay down the other 
night, had solemn thoughts of dying, and sweet prospects of 
going from this to a higher sphere. The thought of dying, 
to know more of God and of his works — perhaps in other 
systems — has occupied my mind much lately. Surely I 
would not live here always — to die, J believe, is gain — to 
be with Christ is best. 

" June 21. * * # The consideration that I had been three 
years almost, in college, without conversing with my fellow- 
students, * * was heart-breaking. To go forward, seemed 
to be too heavy a cross. What ! be pointed at 1 Be subject 
to their ridicule and reproach % Do this all alone ? The 
struggle was great, but it came to this : Resolved, in the 
presence of God and by his help to begin, and do my duty 
in college, in conversing with my companions in study. I 
repeated the resolution, and afterwards felt much relief. — 
O that some would come over and help. But if not a soul 
comes to my help, I am to see and converse with the stu- 

* Making notes on the Scriptures, in his daily reading. Of these skele- 
tons he has left hundreds, from which he used to speak extemporaneously, 
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MEMOlft. 



dents of this college, if they will allow it, cost what it will 
My character is not worth a cent, nor my influence ; nor my 
acquirements, aside from the service of God — O for help. 
While at prayers, my burden left me, in consideration of 
this truth. \ If any man will be my disciple, let him deny 
himself and take up his cross and follow me/ The thought 
of having my name cast out as evil, for Chrises sake, sent 
sweet exultation into my soul. While there, I determined 
to invite a class-mate into my room, and talk with him. — It 
came in the way, but my heart well nigh failed me. But I 
addressed him — he followed me — and I pray God, who wit- 
nessed the interview, to raise in power to his own glory, 
what was sown in weakness. 

"July 2d, Sabbath. The past week has been one of 
crosses. The cross which I laid hold on with so much diffi- 
culty I have only dragged since. With twenty impenitent 
companions^ I have attempted to speak in reference to eter- 
nal things. The mouths of most were stopped. They list- 
ened and assented to the truth. * * * * 

" I never had such views of some passages of scripture, 
t Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute 
you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my 
sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad ; for great is your 
reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which 
were before you.' 4 Who shall harm you, if ye be followers 
•of that which is good.' ' It is sufficient that the servant be 
as his Master, and the disciple as his Lord. 7 * If they have 
persecuted me, they will also persecute you.' * Consider him 
that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, 
lest ye be weary and faint in your minds.' * Ye have not 
yet resisted unto blood? 4 No weapon formed against thee, 
shall prosper.* 

"The long-suffering patience of God towards sinners, 
daring — God-hating sinners, such as I once was, wears a new 
aspect. If I hate their ways — if I am pained at their wick- 
edness, how must infinite purity look upon them ! Surely 
it can make no compromise with sin ? The least sin is 
infinitely hateful in God's sight; and the day is coming when 
his enemies must feel it so in their dreadful punishment. 

" The honour and cause of God were never more dear 
to me. Last evening's devotions were peculiarly melting. I 
never had such a burning desire and such earnest wrestlings 
for sinners in this college. I wept sore, and left the cause of 
God, and the honour of his great name, suspended upon his 



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265 



righteous sovereignty, where I also wish to hang. It was 
a time of sweet relief. I gained the liberty w~hich I needed. 

" In view of my late attempts here, I find much to humble 
me. I asked the Lord to cast a veil of pardon over my best 
deeds — best ! indeed, I could see no goodness in them ; but 
I saw that he can reach down his sovereign arm, and pluck 
these sinners as brands from the burning. Had a refresh- 
ing season in the meeting with. the brethren, as usual, 
on Saturday night. In prayer for the Holy Ghost to be 
poured out as a sovereign gift, I was melted and stopped, 
and repeated the cry : Lord Jesus come quickly. 

" 9 o'clock, evening. — I have felt, and to this hour feel, 
that the glory is eclipsed. During sermon this A. M., I 
listened with interest. In one part of the application power 
seemed to attend the word ; and I earnestly prayed that 
it might go to the hearts of sinners present. The desire 
was so intense that it seemed to partake of the spirit of Moses 
at the rock. I felt that it did not lie with meekness on the 
sovereignty of God. A hardness came into my soul — I 
lamented, I bewailed it. It is now there. Oh ! sin, what 
hast thou done ? enough to sink my soul to hell. Sin, the 
least sin presses heavily on me. I see that it is an infi- 
nite evil ; and that those who enter heaven sin no more. 
This makes heaven in my view chiefly desirable. * The 
heaven that I desire, is a heaven of holiness.' But what of 
this? What if I had been as holy as an angel? One sin 
resting on me is a load too heavy to be borne ; and here it 
beclouds every object, and cools every service. Lo, I feel it — 
and will God forgive me? Will he take away my stony heart? 
Will he give me a heart of flesh ? O ! ho w it dries up my spirits, 
I offer no excuse ; for there is none for sin : * * But I did not 
intend to interfere with the sovereignty of God. If in any 
thing, I think in this my soul has rejoiced. And if I perish, let 
God reign. If I be dashed like a potter's vessel, let God reign, 
and reign for ever. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, 
because I have sinned against him ; until he plead my cause, 
and execute judgment for me : he will bring me forth to light, 
and I shall behold his righteousness. For if we sin, we have 
an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who 
is the propitiation for our sins, and his blood cleanseth from 
all sin. This one thing I desire, and wall still seek after, to 
be holy and wise." 

We regret to say that the foregoing extracts terminate 
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MEMOIR. 



Mr. Taylor's diary, with the exception of a small fragmen 
kept for a short time, in the year 1828, which shall b 
noticed in its place. It is plain, indeed, that this valuabl 
exercise had been followed through the intervening time, bu 
the record was probably destroyed by himself, as it was no 
found among his papers. We regret this the more, becaus 
as he advanced in his course, he became more and mor 
occupied, so that his letters, as far as they have been recover 
ed, are not so numerous, and for the most part written in 
haste. Still, however, materials sufficient are in hand, to 
enable us to form a complete estimate of Mr. Taylor's cha- 
racter ; and to hold him up as affording a most instructive 
example to Christians, students, candidates for the minis- 
try, and ministers of the gospeL 

To his brother F., Mr. Taylor wrote on the 8th of August, 
in which referring to the misconduct of some members of 
college, he says : 

" How happy, my dear brother, that heaven has placed a 
barrier between us and such excesses. Let us be humble 
and thankful. Let us consecrate those powers to God, which 
others prostitute in the service of sin and Satan." 

Tp another of his brothers, an elder in one of the churches 
iii New York, he wrote about the same time, as follows : 

" That the little Zion, on whose walls you have your 
place, gather strength, is good news. May the tree planted 
in so rich a soil, strike deep its roots, and shoot wide its 
branches. Blossoms, it seems, have already ripened into 
fruits. May successive spring seasons come round, and no 
blight appear. May the heart of your beloved pastor, and the 
hearts of the office-bearers, and of the little flock, all rejoice 
together, in the ingathering of not a little fruit. 4 In the 
morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy 
hand. 7 And may your inquiry, both early and late, at his 
temple, meet with responses, to encourage and animate you 
all to do much for Zion. ' O Zion, that bringest good 
tidings V What else is worth living for 1 Dear brother, 
may our sensibilities be most tender for Zion — bleeding 
Zion — Zion against which the wicked are arrayed; bu: 
whose cause God, angels, and saints, have espoused, and 
will never desert. How strong our consolation ! for when 
we lend our aid to this cause, we are sure that it will pros* 



MEMOIR. 



267 



per. Hath the Lord said it, and shall he not do it ? Those 
whose hearts have been enlarged to embark in this cause, 
but who now from reverses in business, must curtail their 
contributions, will not repine that so much has been safely- 
lodged. Will not the Lord recompense them a hundred 
fold? 

" When any fail, it is an affliction ; but how much great- 
er the affliction when the benevolent fail ! True, God can 
open new fountains and multiply streams, when some are 
dried up : and, before Zion's cause shall fail for want of 
funds, will he not unlock the earth! s coffers, and bring forth 
millions to her aid? We need not fear, though the friends 
of God seem fewer at present than his enemies, yet his re- 
sources are infinite. 

"Brother, do you not think it more noble to act and 
labour against opposing influences, than it would be if the 
multitude fell in with the benevolence of the day? I think 
a brighter crown awaits such noble daring efforts, as the 
apostles, and martyrs, and reformers, and some since their 
day, have made, than even the efforts of those who may 
live in the millenium : and simply for this reason ; because 
the cross will be less heavy to bear when all take part with 
heaven. May our efforts be made with a single eye. The 
less conspicuous here, the more renowned hereafter. Christ 
was little known, and less honoured. * His name, however, 
shall be great among the heathen,' and his right to reign 
shall be duly acknowledged : for, to him, * every knee shall 
bow, and every tongue confess.' 

u Could I gain access to the benevolent ones around you, 
who already do so much, I would lament with them that so 
much wealth lies dormant in their city, when it might be 
employed for the eternal interests of men. I could tell some 
who hold their pennies so close what I overheard the other 
day : — ( I wish I had twenty dollars to help my brother 
through the next term in college.' This was said by one 
who had struggled long and hard for his own education. 
This man, too, bids fair to bless mankind, and his brother 
has lately professed conversion, and has the ministry in 
view." 

The foregoing is extracted from the last of Mr. Taylor's 
letters, written from Princeton, which have come into our 
possession. At the commencement, in September of this 
year, he took his degree of A. B. in Nassau Hall, and left 
23* 



268 



MEMOIR. 



the place with the view of connecting himself with the the- 
ological seminary at New Haven, under the direction of 
Dr. Taylor. On his arrival at New York, he was attacked 
severely with pain, which probably laid the ^foundation of 
that disease which carried him to an early grave ; or rather 
was the commencement of the disease itself, from which he 
seems never to have perfectly recovered. 

To a friend in Princeton, and to his parents, he wrote 
about the middle of October, giving some account of his 
illness. 

" Since I left Princeton, with short intervals, I have had 
pain upon pain ; have been bled and blistered on each side ; 
relief, however, has been only temporary. At times the 
anguish has been almost overpowering. Indeed it has been 
a sore trial ; yet many a time in my distress I have ex- 
claimed, This is not Gethsemane — this is not the cross— 
this is not hell. Grace, I think, has triumphed in the 
midst of suffering. And I doubt not of the final good result 
of this affliction ; * light and but for a moment f — light and 
but for a moment, in comparison with what it might be, and 
with what I deserve. # * How long I may yet be confined, 
I know not, I need not know. It is enough that God 
knows what is best, and that is best for me. My desire is 
to be located at New Haven, by a week from next Wednes- 
day. Thither I expect to go and remain for the present. 
There is no fever attending my complaint ; it appears to be 
a rheumatic affection." 

To his parents : 

" The Lord knoweth the rod that he hath laid upon me. 
His grace hath borne me up under its weight, so that I have 
rejoiced in tribulation. In the midst of judgment great have 
been the mercies I have received. I have not words to 
express my obligations to God for the rich manifestations of 
his love — when writhing in anguish of body I have thrown 
myself on his kind arm, and he hath sustained me. I think in 
the midst of it all, he has kept me, measurably, in a childlike 
spirit, for my greatest concern has been to acquiesce perfectly 
in the will of God. ***** 

" This too has solaced me. The suffering time of the 
Christian will , be over — it will come to an end — and this 
too — the pain of this day, this hour — this moment is never 



MEMOIR. 



269 



to be felt a second time. So much of the cup has been drunk, 
and the cup that my Father hath given me to drink, shall I 
not drink it % 

" The views vouchsafed, both of the past and future, have 
been enlarged.* I never saw myself to have been so un- 
profitable a servant. By grace through faith, the prospect 
of labouring, suffering, or dying, seemed all one ; only let 
God's will be done." 

The only remaining memorial of this year is a letter writ- 
ten late in the month of December, giving an account of his 
arrival at New Haven — his reception into the theological 
seminary, and of the goodness of God manifested in his 
providence and in his gracious communications. Of his 
health, he says, though exposed to cold and the effects of 
fatigue, " My cough and cold have well nigh disappeared — 
I think I am every way better." 

1827. 

The remains of Mr. Taylor for this year consist entirely 
in letters, of which as we have already intimated, we have 
fewer, than in former years ; nor are they ever so long, or 
written with as much care, as those from which we have 
extracted so largely. This change is accounted for by him- 
self, in writing to some of his friends, by a loss of relish for 
this sort of exercise, and by the fact that more of his time 
was occupied in writing, as he pursued his preparatory 
course. Another reason may be found, which perhaps did 
not attract his attention — in the irksomeness of a writing 
posture to one whose chest had begun to be affected by an 
incurable disease. 

From the letters which have come into our hands we shall 
present the reader with such extracts as may throw light on 
his character, or in our judgment, afford matter of instruc- 
tion and of religious excitement to Christians, and to candi- 
dates for the ministry — or may serve to illustrate the power 
of grace in bringing the whole being into conformity to 
God. 

The first letter from which we shall make an extract is 
addressed to a pious family, near Princeton, with which Mr. 
Taylor had much Christian intercourse daring his college 
life, and at whose house he frequently held meetings for 
religious exercises. 

23* 



270 



MEMOIR. 



"New Haven, Feb. 11th, 1827. 

11 To the dear Family that dwell in the Valley. 

H Of my location in this place you may not have been in- 
formed. I address you with the testimony, that the good 
hand of God has been upon me for good. 

11 Of my illness in New York you were probably apprized. 
Detained as I was, I doubt not but the Lord saw in that sick- 
ness a link in the chain of my preparation for the holy 
ministry, not unimportant. The remains of the attack I feel 
about me almost daily. So, you see, I have a daily memento 
of my mortality as I am travelling to the grave. At this 
recital I conjecture that your sympathies are all awake ; and 
I believe your overflowing kind feelings would not be slow 
in devising something for my relief — give me your prayers, 
— I trust you do. Your fireside ! How gladly would I 
spend a season in that family circle. * * # 

" Thither my willing feet have tended ; but not so often as 
I desired. That you welcomed me ever, I owe you my 
kindest regards. The interviews enjoyed, if not on earth, 
I trust will be renewed in heaven. * * You too have been 
visited with sickness. * * # You doubtless will reply, 

' What charming words are these 1 
Their sweetness who can tell "? 
In time, and to eternity, 
9 T\& uith the righteous veil? 

Looking upon our cup, as from a father's hand, takes away 
its bitterness, and the cup of consolation overflows. 

" When ill. dear L came in and knelt beside my bed. 
I could but mark one of his expressions. He thanked God 
that I had had a trial of my graces. Truly it is a matter 
of thankfulness that our faith, and patience, and resignation 
are tried. Otherwise, how should we know that we pos- 
sessed them. If a man possess a coin, the genuineness of 
which he doubts, a test applied will satisfy him. So when 
one passes through the furnace which our heavenly Father 
prepares for the trial of his children, though it be heated 
seven fold, if he be a true Christian, he endures the trial. 
When one is so tried, he finds that it is one thing to talk of 
patience and resignation, and quite another to exercise them. 
If we consider a moment, we may see how important it is, 
that the way to heaven lies through much tribulation. 
When the terminating hour of the Christian arrives, his 



MEMOIR. 



271 



trials terminate. If he exercise no patience in this world, 
he could never exercise it at all ; for what is there in heaven 
to call this grace into exercise? But the Lord knows what 
is best, and that is best for me. This was my song day 
and night when racked with pain. # * * * 

" I hope you are all abiding under the shadow of the Al- 
mighty — rejoicing in the light of God's countenance — 
sweetly visited with the presence of Jesus — and filled with 
the Holy Ghost. 

* Children of the heavenly King, 
As ye journey, sweetly sing ; 
Sing your Saviour's worthy praise, 
Glorious in his works and ways. 
Ye are travelling home to God, 
In the way the fathers trod ; 
They are happy now — and ye 
Soon their happiness shall see. 1 

" May you follow on to know the Lord — follow hard after 
him — have the intercourse between heaven and your souls 
open and free— hold fellowship with the Father, and with 
his Son Jesus Christ. Thus you will advance in an onward 
and upward course. May the blessing of God rest upon 
you all through life — at death, may an entrance be adminis- 
tered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

" In the best of bonds, 

" James B. Taylor." 

To the Rev. Mr. L., Mr. Taylor wrote the letter from 
which the following extract is made, on hearing that he had 
been bleeding at the lungs. 

"New Haven, March 17th, 1827. 
" My dear, very dear L , 

" I will not, for I cannot tell you how often the expres- 
sion, * dear L.,' has escaped my lips to-day. Indeed since 
last evening, when I heard that you were ill and had bled 
at the lungs, I have been cast down on your account — on 
my own, and on account of the church. * # * And now 
in part to roll off the burden that rests on my heart, I ad- 
dress you. It is a burden that would gladly find its way 
through my eyes ; but my eyes refuse to weep. 

" When I had written the above, I said I will go and 
pray. I did : and now resume my pen. O my brother, 



272 



MEMOIR. 



what a resort is the throne of grace ! It is there we find 
broken hearts. There we obtain a right spirit. Thence 
we come refreshed, having cast our burdens on the Lord. 

1 Long as they live should Christians pray, 
For only while they pray, they live.' 

" 1 told the Lord that I was afflicted on your account, on 
my own, and on account of the church. I asked him, if it 
were possible, to bring you out of this furnace as gold, and 
in full health ; to live long, and under him, to be the means 
of peopling heaven. But above all, I pleaded for your soul's 
best interests, and asked for the best blessings to rest upon 
you. I thanked the Lord for one I loved so dearly, for Christ's 
sake — I thanked him for our acquaintance and fellowship. 
Think of the assemblage of associations rising in my mind — 
seasons together at Princeton — seasons in New York — 
Heaven bless you — I am affected at their remembrance. 
They are green spots in this wilderness. I thanked God for 
the prospect of meeting you in heaven. Meeting you in 
heaven ! Here my heart broke. What, / meet you in hea- 
ven ! I be admitted to so holy a place I Is it possible ? I ex- 
claimed, with melting heart and streaming eyes : Can it be 
that I who am so unfit shall ever enter a holy heaven! 
Thank the Lord for the sinking I felt — yet how far short 
were my views of that depth which I deserve. It seemed, 
that if an anchor were fastened to my neck, and I were sunk 
into the deepest hell, I should not have half my desert, for 
how often ! how aggravatedly ! how long have I sinned ! 
Heaven may forgive me ; but I can never, no never forgive 
myself. 

" Brother L., in view of the prospect, I cry out, What 
shall I do ? I do truly feel that I am undone as to preach- 
ing the gospel, unless God do great things for me. To- 
day I have desired to lay me down and die, rather than live 
to dishonour God and his cause : and unless he keep me I 
shall. My experience tells me I shall : for alas ! how often 
have I dishonoured him already, and have thus lost his 
smiles ! How often wounded my Saviour, and thereby felt 
the absence of the Beloved — grieved the Spirit, and thus lost 
my Comforter! O! is there in heaven or earth a great- 
er monument of grace ? Or one that is more a sinner ? 
No words can express the sin, for which I deserve an ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of damnation. Well, brother, 
however ill-deserving, I hope I have a garment in which I 



MEMOIR. 



278 



shall be accepted at the marriage supper. For this you have 
prayed. Still pray— and pray till your voice falters in death, 
that I may wear the garment, and keep it unspotted, Then, 
whether you precede me or not, we shall both hope to en- 
ter and sit down at a table spread with heavenly food. O! 
how rich the feast prepared for the followers of the Lamb. 
* * I would not keep back one saint from glory — not even 
my mother— nor thee, my brother L. No : if the good and 
great Shepherd will take one of his under-shepherds from 
an imperfect to a perfect service, I will say, amen ; and hope 
to follow in due time. Brother, do you think that you are soon 
to exchange worlds % Think you that you have turned aside 
to die % If so, may you be gathered as a shock of corn in its 
season, fully ripe.' 5 ****** 

" New Haven, March, 1827. 

" My ever dear Mother, 

" I hoped before this to receive intelligence from home 
respecting your illness : but not a word ; I therefore pre- 
sume you are no worse. 

" I am glad that I went home ; for I trust I was per- 
mitted to add a little to your comfort in kneeling beside you, 
and supplicating for mercy and grace in your behalf. Had I 
. not believed that you consulted my progress in study, I should 
have remained longer ; but you would rather that both be 
denied the pleasure of each other's society, than that I should 
be retarded in my course. 

" Above all, I rejoiced in your consolation that abounded. 
And my comfort has been, when I have remembered my dear 
mother, that the Lord lifted the light of his countenance upon 
you, and caused you to rejoice in that light. Had you not 
the hope of eternal life, what gloom would spread around 
you ! With this hope, the pathway to the tomb is illumina- 
ted, and each successive step is one more towards a world 
of brightness and blessed fruition. Yes, there is something 
beyond time worth dying to possess. Heaven — the society 
of God — angels and saints — the eternity of ever increasing 
joy. Sin will be no more. Friends, who are the children 
of God will not be separated — they will have one home, 
one service, one interest, and they will surround the same 
throne. How happy our friends who have gone thither. 
How happy they who are on their journey, when they shall 
join those who have gone before. 

" May my dear mother, in this time of trial, find her faith 



274 



MEMOIR. 



increased — her hopes stronger — her prospects brightened, 
and her pace quickened. 

" We hope — for we pray — that our mother may yet be 
spared to us. But were I to be called to die — to be with Christ, 
let none keep me back. However trying it would be, I hope 
for sustaining grace, if called to bury my mother, and to 
live in the prospect of meeting her — my father — and some, if 
not all of the family, at the right hand of the Judge. 

" In this sickness, still keep your mind stayed on God : 
lean on the arm of the Lord — commune with Jesus — and 
may you be filled with the Spirit. 

" Your son, with increased affection, 

"James." 

In a letter bearing date the 2d April, 1827, Mr. Taylor 
wrote to his brother, informing him of the commencement 
of a revival in Yale College, in consequence of which, he 
says, " As a class we have given up Dr. Taylor for the pre- 
sent session." 

At the same time, Mr. Taylor was invited by the pastor 
of the church in Bridgeport, and, subsequently, in Trumbull, 
where a. work of grace was in progress, to go over and help 
them. From these places, he wrote several letters to his 
friends, giving an account of the work, and of the success 
of his labours : from which it appears, though the truth is 
told with much modesty, that the Lord honoured his young 
servant with a success, which together with his piety, and 
the acceptance he met froixi the people, gave high promise of 
usefulness. To his mother he wrote : " The ministers where 
I am labouring, license me verbally, so that I preach as re- 
ally as they do. They send me into the pulpit, &c. This is 
of their seeking, not mine." 

To a brother whom he greatly loved, who, it would seem, 
had questioned the propriety of the course he was pursuing 
in B. and T., Mr. Taylor replied in the following letter: 

"Trumbull, May 3d, 1827. 

" My ever dear Brother, 

" Your fraternal epistle reached me last evening, after 
the fatiguing labours of another day. Did you know how 
it refreshed me to hear from you, perhaps you would write 
oftener. 

" Of all people in the world, I have the least reason to 
doubt the tender regard and timely solicitude of my brothers. 



MEMOIR. 



275 



Too much has been manifested on your part to leave me in 
doubt as to your best feelings. I am fully persuaded that 
your most cordial desires are enlisted for my welfare ; and 
often with weeping have I thanked our common Father, that 
I have relations and friends so valuable as you, and have 
both proved yourselves to be, to the unworthiest. Even now, 
spontaneous tears fill my eyes, and my soul breathes the 
prayer, May heaven bless you both, and all yours, now and 
for ever. 

" All the * power 7 that belongs to me * ecclesiastically,' is 
that of a lay member, for I am simply a member of the 
Cedar street church. As such it becomes me in common with 
my brethren, to * do good to all.' What greater good than 
that of winning their souls to Christ ? To attempt this is the 
duty of the weakest, as well as the most gigantic servant of 
Jesus. 

" That I have a call of God, besides, to preach the gospel, 
I have no more doubt than I have of the existence of God. 

# * This I count a blessing, one I did not enjoy when I 
began to prepare for this work. But since I received it, it 
has been peculiarly satisfactory ; and what all do not have 
the happiness to possess. It did not become mine, but through 
strong cries, and many tears, and wrestlings, when I was 
in college. In grateful remembrance of that season, my pen 
has stopped, to weep — and thank the Lord. It is a blessing 
of his imparting ; not to me, but to Him be the praise. It is a 
blessing of great worth to any one who attempts to preach 
the gospel, to feel that he has a commission from God. I now 
feel as I have felt; 'Wo is me, if I preach not the gospel.' 

** The power that I now exercise, if I exercise any, is 
this, simply this and no more than this, * Speaking the truth 
to my neighbour.' Zech. viii. 16. This I do, « publicly 
and from house to house,' by night and by day, as I have 
opportunity. I do not baptize nor administer the sacrament. 
What I do, is done under the sanction and wish of the regu- 
larly ordained pastors of these churches ; and, if I mistake 
not, from the expressions of some, in accordance with the 
ardent wishes of the churches themselves. If this be wrong, 
let a man prove it so, and I will cease to do wrong. What 
matters it whether I take my stand in a pulpit or on a stump 
in the fields? If in the church, why under the pulpit rather 
than in it ? If the question be decided by convenience, both 
for the audience and the speaker, the pulpit is the place. 
To me this seems to be straining at a gnat and swallowing 
24 



276 



MEMOIR. 



a camel. Knock down the pulpit, and raise a platform : to 
me it makes no difference where I stand ; but I like to see 
the people, and hearers generally like to see the speaker. 

" You say * it is out of order :' what statute book decides 
it to be out of order for one to * speak the truth' to all who 
will hear him ? To what body am I amenable — who will 
dare to censure me, and reprove me for seeking not mine 
own, but the things that are Jesus Christ's ? And in the way 
that I do it ? Will a presbytery ? They have no power over 
me, for I am not a member of such a body. "Will the ses- 
sion of the church of which I am a member ? To them I am 
amenable if the course I have taken be wrong. Will the 
theological school at New Haven ? Thus do the students — 
at least one of them told me he did the same before he was 
licensed, to supply a vacant pulpit ; and when a minister 
wants help, shall not one help him in a way seemingly the 
best ? Shall I be censured by those ministers, who con- 
ducted me into the pulpit? 

" * Why appear as a minister when you are not V It is 
known that I am a student of theology. The minister, in 
the church, and when present at other meetings, always 
pronounces the benediction. When absent, I close the meet- 
ing with a short prayer. * I am not ashamed.' Why should 
I be? God approves — sinners are awakened and converted — 
meetings are crowded — houses are opened to receive me — 
the work of God is advancing — the harvest whitens : says 
the minister, with affection and emphasis — * We love you and 
wish you here' — prays for me, unwilling that I should leave 
him. 

" When the cry is all around, Help, help, help, shall I 
close my mouth, because a man may make a distinction 
between a pulpit and something else, when no such distinc- 
tion is made by the Bible ? Never — were I to die to-day. 
I feel that I ought not to hold my peace ; and as I know of 
no statute that forbids my naming a text to speak from, and 
as I find this the most convenient for myself, and every way 
acceptable to those who hear me, I presume I shall not be 
censured for this. 

u The question is, What is right ? not what this or that 
man says, without alleging his proof. — Shall I hold my 
peace ? My labours have been so great for some time past, 
you need not be surprised, if I turn aside and rest awhile. 
I shall be glad once more to fall into your embraces, and to 
be refreshed in your mansion. 



MEMOIR. 



277 



u May you increase more and more In this world's goods, 
but especially be rich towards God. 

" Through your munificence I abound, and am now as I 
always have been, 

" Your obliged and affectionate brother, 

" J. B. T." 

To the same: 

" New Haven, June, 1827. 

I" My dear brother, 
# # # * « After I left you in New York, I returned to 
Trumbull, and found the state of things increasingly inte- 
resting. I spent the last Sabbath there : between thirty and 
forty attended the inquiry meeting. A solemnity rests on 
the minds of many: indeed the whole parish seem awed. 
To what it will come I know not — as many as twenty have 
expressed hope. The church are singularly alive, and seem 
much united. 

" I am here ; and the principal work before me for the 
j summer is the study of the scriptures, which I love. 

" I hope you enjoy nearness of access to God, day by day. 
This afternoon my soul was exceedingly refreshed. May 
yours be doubly so — nay, a hundredfold. 

" Your affectionate James,' 

The reader will recollect with what agonizing earnest- 
ness, and persevering importunity, Mr. Taylor prayed 
for the conversion of his friend L. P., both while at Law- 
renceville and at Princeton, as noted in our extracts from his 
diary. That he did not pray in vain, will be seen from the 
following letter, dated 

" New Haven, 29th June, 1827. 
u My dear, dear Brother, 

" Is it — is it true % The intelligence of this morning, let 
me assure you, gladdened my heart. The mingled emo- 
tions of my soul sent me weeping to my kneeling-place, with 
thanksgiving on your behalf, and to pray again for the 
friends I always loved, but who now in our Lord Jesus 
Christ are dearly beloved. 

" The language of my heart has been, since I saw Mr. 
B., O that I could see you, were it but for half an hour j 
for I would listen to you, and peradventure tell you how, in 
days gone by, I have felt, and wept, and prayed for vou : for 
24 



278 MEMOIR/ 

none, as for my dear friend P — , have I ever and so often 
agonized in secret places. The thought of spending a happy 
eternity at God's right hand with you, well nigh broke 
my heart this morning ; now my soul rejoices in the pros- 
pect. 

" Having tasted that the Lord is gracious, and felt solici- 
tude for those w r hom you have left in their sins, you will now 
interpret what perhaps you might, at one time, have thought 
intrusive in me, as flowing from benevolence, overflowing 
benevolence, for your best interests. Indeed it was so ; and 
not unfrequently was my soul sweetly visited w T hen in prayer 
to God for my friend P — . Thus you have my whole 
heart. 

" By a note from Mr. B., I learn that at the last commu- 
nion thirty-eight were added to the church. Happy days 
for L. ! Did I know the names of the individuals, I might 
recognize not a few old acquaintances. * * * 

" Comparing ' the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace/ 
&c, with the joys of former days, do you not exclaim, in 
amazement, Where have I been so long % And while you 
feast on the provisions of the Lord's house, does not your 
soul cry out, Evermore give me this bread % To them who 
grieve not the Holy Spirit, he is rich and ever new in his 
manifestations. From the height of one attainment we rise 
to another, till, instead of ' from grace to grace,' it shall be 
from glory to glory. * * * 

" Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, as you have pro- 
bably heard, I have in the view of others been over the 
grave's mouth. From my attack last fall, I am well nigh 
recovered. To me the visitation was of no little importance. 
I thank our heavenly Father for it. It was from a Father's 
hand. Though racked with pain of body, my soul enjoyed 
the presence of God. 

" Shall I tell you that more than ever I feel the impor- 
tance of being wholly devoted to God? Well may every 
Christian, and especially every minister, lay himself out for 
God, as a co-worker together with him. Each in his own 
sphere may do something. Happy the man who gathers 
but one sheaf! They that turn many to righteousness shall 
shine as the stars for ever and ever. But I need not urge 
you to action. Doubtless you have been up and doing with 
your might. Doubtless you are daily walking with God, 
and find the blessedness of it in secret, in the family, in 
the social circle, in the house and ordinances of God, in 



MEMOIR. 



279 



your walks of usefulness and deeds of well doing, I bid 
you, with all my heart I bid you, God speed ! 

" Let me tell you, that God puts honour upon my attempts 
in his service. Suffice it to say, he gives what I think I 
am most athirst for — souls. Lately I have been in two 
revivals. 

" Often, when in L — , my fellowship was with the 

Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ — often when in 
Princeton. Associated with those places are not a few of 
the greenest spots in my wilderness. Here, too, in New 
Haven, Heaven deigns to refresh me with gracious rains. 
Pray that the fruit may be unto everlasting life. 

" How often have I contemplated your fireside as one of 
the happiest Has it, now, what shall be both 1 grace and 
glory' to it? I doubt not your willing feet bring you to the 
domestic altar with your morning and evening sacrifice. 
On that altar may a prayer now and then be offered for one, 
«ven for me, who would be holy and wise — holy, to please 
God, and wise, to win souls. * * * 

" In the best of bonds, yours truly, 

"James B. Taylor." 

As evidences of Mr. Taylor's devotedness to the cause of 
his Master, his readiness to labour in that cause, the estima- 
tion in which his labours were held by the people, as well 
as his own spirituality, we give the following brief extracts 
from letters written the last of July and 1st August, 1827. 

" With pretty good bodily health, I am blessed with what 
above all things we value, the renewed visits of our Father's 
love, the presence of Jesus, and the incoming of the Holy 
Spirit. For a season past, my enjoyment in divine things 
has been uncommon. 

" Somehow I am drawn in to labour, besides my studies. 
On Friday evenings I meet a company, to whom I try to 
speak the truth with all plainness. This meeting is made 
up of the higher circle of young ladies of New Haven. This 
is not of my own, but of the seeking of others. On Saturday 
evenings I sometimes address an audience. On Sabbath, 
at two o'clock, I meet a Bible class ; about one hundred and 
thirty present last Sabbath. 

" By means of the latter, I feel that I am profiting ; for I 
devote some time to preparation. This is the little that I 
am doing. 

24 # 



280 



MEMOIR. 



" I may tell you with safety that God puts honour upon 
my endeavours to do good, even in New Haven. Sinners 
are converted, and saints quickened, in some few instances. 
Thus here, as in other places where I have been located in 
my preparatory studies, I hope to have a band whom I love," 

In most of Mr. Taylor's letters written after his attack in 
New York, there is reference to a slight indisposition — 
a rheumatic affection — the remains of his disease, &c. We 
now present the reader with one which shows the progress 
of his malady, and which gave the painful presage that his 
career of light would be short. 

" New Haven, October 29th, 1827. 

" My dear brother, 

" By a letter to H , you will see that I was prospered 

in my journey. Having arrived at New Haven, and fitted 
my room for business, I was just ready to enter upon my 
work, when that happened whence I apprehended serious 
consequences. The result, however, is such that, did I not 
fear an exaggerated report might reach you, I would not 
trouble you. Reaching my room, after dinner, on Friday, 
I gave a little cough, which was succeeded by the discharge 
of some blood; afterwards, a spontaneous flow of perhaps a 
table-spoonful. 

" Neither at the time, nor since, have I felt any ill conse- 
quence, so that, judging from my feelings, and from the 

opinion of Dr. I , it is thought that the blood came from 

the throat, not from the lungs, as I apprehended at first. 

11 These are the facts : and the occurrence demands im- 
provement, and calls for my grateful acknowledgments. 

" Its first effect was to break my heart. This I needed. 
And as the purposes of God relate to all actual events, so it 
was his purpose that this should occur. And I have looked 
upon it as a blessing ; for it brought in its train a course of 
things that has made my soul happy. 

" It has effected a desirable change in my feelings — I see 
that I may not be of so much importance in God's system 
of means, as I may have thought. 

" It has led me to conclude, that if God has laid, or in- 
tends to lay me aside, it is for one of these three reasons : 
that I should not stand in the way of others ; or that I 
should not run ahead too far ; or that He has other work 
for me to do in another and higher sphere of action. 



MEMOIR. 



281 



" This providence will probably shut me out from those 
doors which I might have entered to labour, and so afford 
me a more quiet session, to become acquainted with the- 
ology — a matter of no small importance. It is, at least, a 
ready excuse to give for non-compliance with raised ex- 
i pectation, at my return, and repeated application to enter the 
field again. 

" It has benefitted others. Much of the kind feeling of 
dear friends has been enlisted in my behalf — and some have 
I been led to see, that we know not what a day may bring 
! forth. 

44 It may be that this is an evil which is incidental to the 
highest possible good to me, and the good to be accom- 
plished through me. 

44 Therefore, let us receive it at the hand of the Lord as a 
kind memento. I look upon it as a love-token from his 
hand. True, I may have brought it on myself by impru- 
dence, but I am not sensible of any such cause. 

44 Whatever be the result, I am in good spirits. No way 
depressed, but greatly raised. No where do I lie so sweet- 
ly as in the hand of God. * * # # 

41 1 am looking for more of the presence of the Lord ; and 
hope to live the life of obedience. Living or dying, the pros- 
pect is pleasant. 

44 Farewell, 

44 J, B. Taylor. 
44 P. S. By far more did I feel for my friends than for 
myself ; for I feared they would not acquiesce. Let us wait 
and see if, in all, we shall not have occasion to say, 4 He hath 
done all things well. 1 " 

44 New Haven, November 3d, 1827. 
44 My dear, very dear brother : 

44 1 delay not to answer your letter, received this morn- 
ing; for I feel that your past care of me, and present soli- 
citude, should be met with corresponding expressions on my 
part. 

" Since I wrote you, I have felt no inconvenience from 
my bleeding, unless it be a little soreness of the throat. I 
do not apprehend, nor is it apprehended by others, that the 
blood came from my lungs. But, as it is well to know the 
worst, bleeding at the throat tends to produce bleeding at the 
lungs. It often follows in its train, unless proper precaution 
be used. So it was with one who once lived in New Haven, 
24* 



282 MEMOIR. 

but who is not. Dr. Taylor mentioned his case to me, with 
the caution, 4 Take care.' 

"My dear brother, my heart, as you know, has been in ! 
the work of the ministry. I need not tell you how it has j 
bled in view of turning aside. But I think I have said at 
the footstool, Lord, thou badest me go forward ; if thou say 
return, amen and amen. I have been happy in the varied 
view I have taken of the case, and yet I hope to live and 
labour in the vineyard. To realize this hope, I see, or 
seem to see, that it becomes me to * take care. 7 You need 
not apprehend my engaging in meetings. I have not en- 
listed, nor do I purpose to enlist in public labour of any ] 
kind. But I would remain in quiet, patient waiting, so as, 
if possible, to recover fully. It doth not become me to com- 
mit suicide j of this I feel no danger. Inclination would 
bid me onward^ but I think I shall hold the reins with a 
steady hand. 

" My dearest interests, my dear brother, are identified 
with Christ's. As it is the purpose of God to subdue rebels 
to himself, so I would be loyal, and enlist my all to subdue 
others — and so would you. Well, as becomes wise and good 
men, may we act our parts below ; then rising, it will be to 
move in a higher sphere, and live among the angels. Hap- 
py, glorious change ! — Last evening I had a most sweet, 
filial approach to our heavenly Father. * * 

" I wish you and my other friends to understand, that I 
am not cast down ; far, far from it : and why should I be % 
* * O no ! as I told you, ' it is a love-token from Him who, 
as a father, pitieth his children.' Let, then, /our thank- 
offering arise that it is no worse. * * # * 

" May you be greatly comforted with that comfort where- 
with I am comforted. 

" An affectionate adieu, 

44 James." 
K 

14 New Haven, November 11th, 1827. 
14 My dear Brother J. and Sister R. 

44 1 doubt not you now and then mention my name, as you 
converse around your fireside. Gladly would I interchange 
words with you, and tell you how happy I am. Surely I 
am blessed of God — you know my late trial — the sweetness 
resulting is beyond description. 

44 You know, that leaving business, I commenced prepa- 
ration to preach the gospel. My prospect of entering the 



MEMOIR. 283 

i ministry, as the time approached, has brightened, with long- 
ing of soul for the work. Often, in your hearing, have I 
hailed the coming day. The issue of my late bleeding may 
determine my future employ — nay, my stay in this world. 
O, my dear brother and sister, it is sweet to lie passive in the 
hand of God, and know no will but his. But my heart is 
full. To this state of feeling I have come, only through 
tears and lying low at mercy's door : and now, when I think 
of the dear, dear object of co-working with God, in preach- 
ing the gospel, my soul finds ready way to my eyes. Must 
I — must I give it up ? O my Father, my Father ! must I 
go back 1 It does not sink my spirits — far from it : but it 
breaks my heart— tears run down my eyes. It swells my 
soul to unutterable language, till I lie and groan before 
God. 

" Indeed I am not worthy to look up — how much less 
worthy to be put into the ministry ! Well — for he that doeth 
all things well, knows what is best, and that is best for 
me. 

" Heaven never appeared more desirable — I have longed 
to see the King in his beauty — never did I gain so near 
access to God. Dying seems like going to my Father's 
house. * * * And I could gladly bid adieu to the world 
— to those I tenderly love, to parents, brothers and sisters, 
to you, for my anticipated home with Christ, whom having 
not seen, I love — but I would willingly live and labour yet 
for threescore years and ten, nor count the time long ; for 
I have longed — longed to enter heaven, after having, under 
God, been the means of sending multitudes thither. 

" The cup which hath been put into my hands I would 
drink ; yet my heart's prayer has been, * If it be possible, let 
this cup pass.' 

" I have felt this evening, that if God would but speak the 
word, his servant should be healed. This, however, may 
not be best : surely, then, you and I should willingly say, 
1 The Lord reigneth.' 

" To contemplate this hand that moves to address you, 
stiffened in death— to view this * mud-walled cottage' already 
shaken and tottering — fallen to the ground — is sweet— for 
should I not sleep sweetly? O yes, and my active spirit, 
which now clings to Jesus, would be adoring, active and 
wondering among the spirits of the just made perfect. 

" Dear, dear brother and sister, it is but a little way from 
this to yonder mansions. We each expect to find a welcome 



284 



MEMOIR. 



resting place. How sweet the earnest ! Only a little while, 
and we shall be there. 

" Affectionately, 

44 James. 

" P. S. Since K. left, I have not noticed any blood, save 
this morning, when a little streak was expectorated. I 
should not mention this, but you would know the true state 
of the case. Rheumatism makes me an old man." 

It will not be uninteresting to introduce here some of the 
conversation of Mr. Taylor, at this time, illustrative of his 
feelings in view of the incident to which we have alluded. 
It was noted down by a friend who was a resident in the 
same family at the time, and his frequent companion. 

44 When first attacked with the bleeding," writes his friend, 
" he called me into his room, and remarked, you see, my 
dear brother, to what God is calling me. I am not fright- 
ened : my mind is perfectly composed and happy. I have 
desired to live and preach the gospel, but the will of the 
Lord be done. I believe that God has in reserve a better 
portion for his people, in heaven, than in this world. This is 
a good world — I have no reason to complain of this world 
— I am not tired of it — I am happy to continue here, so long 
as it is the pleasure of my heavenly Father that I should. 
I cannot say, so far as my individual interest is con- 
cerned, that I have any choice whether to live or to die. If 
God has no more for me to do in this world, I should be 
happy to die here, and go from this room to my home in 
heaven.* 

4t Here we both paused in silence for some minutes, when 
the recollection of his friends came over his mind, and he 
added, 4 But oh, my dear friends' — here his tears burst forth 
profusely ; and he wept in silence for some time, and then 
continued, 4 My dear parents, brothers, and friends, have 
been so kind to me, and have so much anticipated my be- 
coming a minister of the gospel, that my heart is pained— 
deeply pained at the thought of their expectations being 
disappointed — but this is good for me, it is just what I 
needed. ' 

* 4 After a short silence, he said, 4 My dear brother, I now 
am sensible that I sinned in indulging that repining thought : 
I now feel perfectly resigned to the whole will of God. I am 
happy — perfectly happy.' 



MEMOIR. 



285 



" The next morning he said, 4 My soul melted down be- 
fore God last night, when I continued to ask him to let me 
live and preach the gospel — but I cheerfully submitted all 
to him. O, brother, God has made such discoveries to my 
soul, as I never expected or dared to hope for in this world. 
It is wonderful! wonderful! my body can hardly contain this 
immortal being that struggles within ! I am willing to live 
my threescore years and ten. I wish for it only that I may 
preach the gospel j but I shall be happy to finish my work, 
and mount away to Jesus !' 

" November 14th, evening. — He said 4 This has been a 
wonderful day to me. This morning I bled a little — just 
enough to remind me of my condition — I am thankful for it, 
for God has by it made this day an antepast of heaven to my 
soul.' 

" November 16th. — * Afflictions' (said brother Taylor this 
morning) * are good, because they come laden with a rich 
blessing. I wish all the world to experience the same that 
I do — not my pains, but the blessings which attend them : 
every pain through which I pass, I think, that now I have 
taken one portion more of the cup- — I shall never have that 
pain again ; but the blessing which it brought to me, will 
endure for ever. After all,' said he, 'what are my pains'? 
They are not Gethsemane — they are not the cross.' 

44 He then repeated the hymn : 

4 O what are all my sufferings here,' &e. 

44 Again, 4 1 never before experienced such a fulness of 
grace. It seems as though my immortal spirit could not 
reside in this tabernacle — as though I must fly away to 
Christ. Yet my life is a history of sins and mercies. Never 
before have I felt myself to be so guilty a sinner. I deserve 
to have a millstone fastened to my neck, and to be anchored 
in the depths of hell.' 

44 Again, in the morning, after much pain and languor 
during the night, he said, 4 1 am well, and calm, and happy 
—it was a happy night— every few moments my soul awaked 
to hold sweet communion with heaven. Let this clay perish, 
if God will — my soul is happy in Him, and all will redound 
to his glory, whether I live or die." 

44 New Haven, 23d November, 1827, 

44 Dear brother K. f 
41 Your letter reached me in due time, and upon its con- 



286 



MEMOIR. 



tents I have been pondering. After considering my case, it 
seems to me that I ought to remain here. What little ap- 
plication I make is a necessary relaxation to my mind ; 
and it is with this satisfying consideration, that it is in con- 
nexion with my course. Besides writing dissertations, I find 
that I can investigate the subjects in theology, and so keep 
along with the professor. Every thing on the part of my 
landlady is done to make me well, and kind friends evince 
their good feelings. Were I away, I think I should be 
unhappy, as I do not see that it would be duty to leave at 
present. 

*' Rheumatism, or some other ism, yet troubles me in my 
sides, and disturbing my sleep, tends to debilitate my sys- 
tem. * * * 

" Twice since I wrote, a little streak of blood has appeared 
when I expectorated. My throat and lungs feel in their 
usual vigour. 

" My soul leans on God, and sweetly reposes in his will 
With a weight of love to sister E., whose kind hand I re- 
member as often extended to alleviate my pain, 

" I am, affectionately yours, 

" James." 

" New Haven, Nov. 25th, 1827. 

u My dear Mrs. W. 

#####« y ou saw me j n an g U i sn f body — you 

heard me tell how happy I was in God. As on earth I have 
thanked our heavenly Father for that cup, so in heaven the 
visitation will be more clearly expounded. 

" You have heard of my late light affliction. It would be 
too long a story to tell of all the attendant blessings — but 
consolation has abounded. 

" The renewal of my old attack of rheumatism has been 
a little painful to the body ; but O, the unspeakable and full 
glory that has come along with it. The cup is sweet, sweet, 
sweet beyond expression. Believe me when I say it, I 
think it worth worlds— nay, worlds weigh nothing to it, 
for worlds without Christ would be nothing worth. With 
the pain, I have Christ. 

" I think I can adopt the language of some one, I know not 
of whom : 4 Though I am sometimes full of pains, yet I 
am at all times full of patience. I often mourn under a 
sense of my corruption, but never murmur under my afflic- 
tion.' And why should I murmur ? This would be to op- 



MEMOIR. 



287 



pose the medicine that heals my soul. The Lord never af- 
flicts us to hurt us ; but to heal us. While in this wilder- 
ness, the Lord would have our souls a fruitful paradise. 
The Husbandman knows his choice trees of righteous- 
ness, and when he comes with his pruning-knife, it is not 
to cut down the tree, but to lop off superfluous branches. 

" That this my poor cottage shakes, is a kind premoni- 
tion of its fall. Let it fall — responds my inmost soul ; for 
who would not resign such an earthly tabernacle, for a 
house not made with hands? Never did the thought of 
having a glorious body so overpower me as this evening. 
And think you, my dear sister, I shall prize a glorious body 
the less, for having had one so frail. More of this, when 
we shall have heard the archangel's trump, assembled at 
Christ's right hand, and been made like him ; * for we shall 
see him as he is. 3 

" I am inclined to think — though I am in a strait betwixt 
two, having a great desire to depart, yet longing to live to 
subserve the dear interests of our dearest Lord Jesus — I am 
inclined to think that God is not about now to take down 
this superstructure. He may be renewing the founda- 
tion. * * * 

" I think I have learned a little about glorying in infirmi- 
ties, rejoicing in tribulations, and possessing the soul in 
patience. Sweet lessons — lessons to be learned only in a 
certain school. In this school, an apt scholar, having a 
skilful teacher, may become a wonderful proficient. The 
wiser, the better we ought to be — then the holier, conse- 
quently, the happier. Well, I am happy — I lean on my Be- 
loved, and call him mine. 

" It has been most sweet to lie in the hands of God. I 
have longed to drink every drop of the cup that my Father 
puts into my hand. Not one pain less ; for He knows what 
is best, and that is best for me. 

" Could I tell you I would, but the blessing that I have 
received this day from God, is above description. * * * * 

" Kindest regards to Mr.W. From yourself, and from him 
I should be glad to hear again and again. The death of 
Mr. S. I saw mentioned in the paper. Remember me to the 
family, and tell them that God often removes outward mer- 
cies from us, in mercy to us. 

M Fraternally yours, in our dearest Lord Jesus, 

"J B. Taylor." 



25 



288 



MEMOIR. 



"New Haven, Dec. 29th, 1827. 

•* Dear K. and E. 

44 Ere this year closes, anticipating the commencement 
of the ensuing one, I wish you a happy, thrice happy new 
year. 

44 To me, the year, nearly gone, has been fraught with 
good, good beyond the years before: for we call both that 
good, which is good in itself, and that also which is the means 
of good. True, few have been the days and nights in which 
this frail body has rested quietly. Nevertheless, in this 
school of suffering, I have been taught lessons, which, whe- 
ther I live on earth, or in heaven, will make me wiser. 

# # # # when other refuges have failed, I have not failed 
to find one, soul-reviving. Never, perhaps, have I gained 
nearer access to God, held sweeter communion with him, 
enjoyed a more glorious hope, anticipated a release from 
earth with calmer delight, than when pain has been exerting 
its undermining influence. 

*- It would be repeating the story, to tell you, I have been 
happy. You will understand me, when you remember those 
seasons of purest delight, in which your souls, with a child- 
like disposition, have fallen into the hands of our heavenly 
Father, and sweetly said, 4 Thy will be done.'" * * * 

We close this year with an extract from a letter to his 
parents — in which, after repeating much already given from 
letters to others, Mr. T. writes : 

" This morning I arose, and felt the ill effects of an ano- 
dyne. But this was gain. More fit to sleep than to be 
awake, I threw myself on the bed. Having sung a Sab- 
bath morning hymn, the last lines reached my heart. I 
will repeat them : 

* Then shall my soul new life obtain ? 
Nor Sabbaths be enjoyed in vain.' 

44 1 was athirst for 'new life and O that I could tell you 

# * # God viewed as the Holy One, melted, subdued, com- 
forted, and happified my inmost powers. * * * Indeed I 
felt that never before did I gain so much * new life' in so 
short a time. As you may suppose, I did not sleep. No, 
I was awake to commune still with God. Jesus seemed to 
say, 4 Will you yet subserve my cause on earth, and preach 
my gospel?' With my soul leaning on him, I replied, 4 Lord, 



MEMOIR. 



289 



thou knowest.' Truly, my dear parents, as a herald of the 
cross, I would run with delight. Be assured that the desire 
of preaching was never more ardent ; for never more than 
of late, have I felt my interests identified with the cause of 
our dear Lord Jesus. And while hars have seemingly been 
rising, and, at least, threatening to fence me out of the vine- 
yard, I have had my love to my anticipated labour tried. 
Well, the prospect brightens ; and ere another year goes by, 
I hope you will receive me to your embraces, as one who 
officially bears the tidings of great joy. Should the Master 
order otherwise, I hope my willing feet would run at his 
command. Were I even to leave the earth, the thought is 
pleasant every way, save that I long to stay and win souls 
to Christ. Be it as it may, of this I feel persuaded, that God 
is doing me good, either to serve him the better here, or 
at his right hand. Therefore be comforted. I rejoice in 
my being, in my endless being, too. We shall live till our 
appointed time; then with angels, and with saints in glory, 
renew the song of praise to him that sitteth on the throne, 
and to the Lamb. 

" May you be comforted with the same comfort wherewith 
I am comforted. 

" Your affectionate and obliged son, 

" James." 

1828. 

The beginning of this year finds Mr. Taylor still at 
New Haven, pursuing his favourite object ; and though in 
declining health, yet- most ardently desirous to enter upon 
the great business of life, in winning souls to Christ, and 
making delightful advances in spirituality. The following 
letters and extracts, show impressively the workings of a 
soul, uncommonly imbued with divine grace. 

" New Haven, 2d January, 1828. 

" Dear Brother B , 

u As many happy returns of the season to you as our 
heavenly Father sees best. 

" To tell you that these are happy days to me, would only 
be testifying to the great goodness of God. Could I describe 
the view, whence was so much self-loathing, so much con- 
trition, brokenness of heart, and melting of soul — could I 
25 



290 



MEMOIR. 



tell the nearness that I gained this evening to God, in view 
of his paternal relation to one of his * little ones'— to Christ 
as brother, friend — and the sweetness of the comfort that 
flowed into my soul, as my soul flowed down at the presence 
of God — I would speak it all forth. But it was * unspeaka- 
ble and full of glory.' The name of Jesus was as ointment 
poured forth. A holy unction descended and rested upon 
me. There was eye salve in it, by which the visions of a 
glorious heaven gathered brightness. Truly, my brother, 
such visits are much to be prized ; and though our guests are 
unseen, they are not unloved, nor unfelt. We hail the 
light of their approach, and run to catch the first glimpse, till 
the Sun of righteousness comes upon our souls with full splen- 
dour. How vivifying ! How soul-satisfying ! 'Tis now the 
world wanes, and dwindles into its real insignificance. * * * 

M O that Zion would arise, and shine in her beautiful 
attire ! And why does she not. Not surely because her 
King is unwilling that she should be thus adorned. Till his 
locks are wet with the dew, he has waited, and he is waiting 
still. I trust that brother B. has long since clad himself with 
the white robe, and still wears his garments unspotted 
from the world. 

" Seasons in which we are thus refreshed, are renewing 
seasons. Both bodily and spiritual vigour come from the 
presence of the Lord. If it be so on earth, what will 
it be when we see the King in his beauty? O, my bro- 
ther, to me heaven never appeared more desirable than it has 
since I saw you ; yet with strong desire have I wept to stay 
and preach the gospel of our blessed Lord Jesus, for I see 
there is a wide difference, in entering heaven with and 
without company. Let him know, that he that converteth 
a sinner from the error of his ways, saveth a soul from 
death, and hideth a multitude of sins. * They that be wise 
shall shine as the sun, and they that turn many to righte- 
ousness, as the stars for ever and ever.' How much better 
to find in heaven a band of converts sent thither through 
one's instrumentality, than to arrive alone. 

" The pain of body that I have undergone since I saw you 
has not been little ; yet none too much, for it has been sweet 
discipline. 4 The cup that my Father hath given me to 
drink, shall I not drink it V 

" Through God's goodness I am much relieved, and only 
feel the inconvenience of debility. By and by, we hope to 
wear glorious bodies. When the saints shall put them on, 



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291 



may we recognize each other as brands plucked out of the 
fire. Fraternally yours, 

" James B. Taylor." 

" M. Haddam, 27th January, 1828. 

*' Bear Brother K 

" I have been at home a short time. I find myself an 
invalid yet. But of all lessons, those learned in the school 
of affliction, I deem the most salutary. Would one learn 
the art of being patient ? How can he know it unless he be 
tried? 

" Years ago, I used to inquire, where are my trials % 
They have come. Some part, at least, of the bitter bitter- 
sweet cup, has been drunk. The rest is in our Father's hand. 
Is not this enough ? Last night, pain — sweet pain, as I 
called it, had a happy effect on my soul. The thought of 
leaving the earth, and mingling with the holy above, was 
joy within which bodily pain forbade me to utter — but I 
found my wonted resting place, and calmly reposed on him 
whom my soul loveth, till I fell asleep. How sweet — how 
soul-refreshing, when the heart can say, * Father, not my 
will, but thine be done.' 

" May you be a hundred-fold comforted with the same 
consolation. 

" Yours truly, James." 

From Middle Haddam, whence the foregoing note was 
written, Mr. Taylor returned to New Haven, but his health 
continuing to decline, he was soon summoned to New 
York to prepare for a tour, or a voyage to the southern 
states, with the hope — in his case, alas! vain hope— of 
staying the ravages of disease, and recovering that health 
which he so earnestly desired, that he might preach the 
gospel. 

How he was exercised in view of the proposed excursion, 
may be learned from the following extracts from a letter 
written at Stamford, while on his way to New York, in 
obedience to the call, to lay aside for a season, his work of 
preparation, and seek the restoration of his health. 

"Stamford, January 30th, 1828. 

'Dear W . 

M Say you, why on your way to N. Y. ? It is not a pro- 
ject of my own ; but kind friends have issued the command, 



292 



MEMOIR. 



not of authority, but of love ; and bid me pack up and be on 
my way : thus far I have complied. ******** 

" My dear Brother — at first, my heart rather revolted at 
the idea of going : but before I had finished the letter, I could 
not say aught why I should remain. Nay, more, I felt that 
I should do violence to my own feelings, and the feelings of 
others, not to go. How different from what I felt two months 
ago. Then it seemed impossible to go away. You remem- 
ber the reason. It was a burning desire to live and preach 
the gospel; and I wished to remain and prepare for it. 
Since then, however, that intense longing has subsided, and 
given place to a calmness that has caused my soul sweetly 
to rest— not so solicitous to live and preach the gospel, as 
that Christ, as Lord of the Vineyard, should dispose of me 
as the execution of his plan requires. 

M Thus you see how sweetly I have been fitted to leave 
all : indeed I go as cheerfully as I would into the pulpit. 
I feel all that calmness and composure which result from a 
consciousness of doing the will of God. Therefore rejoice , 
with me, my loving brother, and be happy in the thought 
that I am put aside for the present. — Put aside ! I am 
disposed to think that this turning me aside is to turn 
greatly to my account. — To my account I— I hope to Zion's 
account. 

" Who can say that my journey is not to survey fields of 
labour, which otherwise would not appear inviting ? 

" Who can say that a link is not to be made out of this 
change of circumstances not the least important — nay, a 
swivel in the chain of my preparation, and one without 
which the chain would twist and break? ******* 

14 May I not fail to make this a profitable tour \ Pray for 
me noxo as you read, and ever, that I may by every over- 
turning, be more and more moulded into the image of our 
dear Lord Jesus. *■*■** 

M I now go out, not knowing the result. I go, perhaps to 
recover my health r this is my primary object. I go, per- 
haps to die. Well ; I have the sweet prospect of yet ming- 
ling with the holy in heaven. Never, never have I had 
happier days than since I saw you. I verily believe I have 
been on Mount Clear, and spied out the Canaan that we 
love * * * * 

u Yours, in the best bonds, 

" Jas. B. Taylor." 



MEMOIR, 



293 



After some detention in New York, Mr. Taylor set sail 
for Charleston, on the 7th March, and arrived on the 15th, 
without any occurrence of note, but as he thought with 
evident mitigation of his disease: after sojourning some 
time at Charleston, and enjoying the cordial hospitalities 
of that warm hearted people, he proceeded to Savannah 
in Georgia, thence to Augusta, to Columbia, to Fayette- 
ville, Petersburg, Richmond,* and so back to New York, 
From these several places he wrote numerous letters 
to his friends, filled chiefly with descriptions of places, 
and observations on men and manners, which prove, that, 
though in search of health as his primary object, he had a 
heart still to mingle with the friends of Jesus, and to love his 
Master's image, under whatever clime or colour it might 
appear ; that he felt for the interests of the Redeemer's king- 
dom, without regard to localities, and that he was a shrewd 
observer of mankind. 

From a few of these communications extracts will be 
given, as far as they exhibit the exercises of his faith and 
piety, and show the fatal progress of his disease, and the 
spirit with which he bore the waning of hope, as to re- 
covery. 

At Savannah, Mr. Taylor was advised to make an excur- 
sion for a few days into the country; and, accordingly, having 
received letters of introduction to a few of the planters in 
Liberty county, he found his way to the residence of a Mr. 

, with whom he spent two days, and of whom he thus 

writes: " Mr. is a single man of about my age, which 

you know, to-morrow, (15th April, will be 27.) * # Though 
not a professor of religion, yet he takes a stand indicative of 
heartfelt piety. Every night he meets his negroes collected 
for worship ; sings, reads, expounds the Bible, and prays. 
His sister, a lady of known piety, meets the little folks in 
the afternoon, and instructs and prays with them : praise- 
worthy practice — and for this reason we transfer the ac- 
count of their conduct to our pages. * * * * 

" At Col. L. 7 s — I had a time of refreshing from the pre- 
sence of the Lord : having retired fatigued and with some 
pain in my side, I thought on health: our sympathizing 
High Priest was near to bless. The thought of him was 
balm to my spirit. I was fully persuaded that if he spoke 

* The kind attentions and expressions of interest which Mr. T. received 
from many persons in these and other places, were often spoken of by him, 
m language of acknowledgment to them, and gratitude to God. 
» 25* 



294 



MEMOIR. 



the word, his servant should be healed. To live and recover 
I saw to be in some respects desirable, yet rather than carry 
about a useless tenement, I felt it desirable to depart : yes, 
though I seemed to love my friends more than ever, I felt 
that I could give you all up, and die even among strangers. 
My soul experienced joys that elevated me ; and then I could 
so sweetly fall into the hands of God, and meltingly say, 
my Father — my Saviour." 

"Augusta, April 18th, 1828. 

" My Bear Brother, 

" The evening before I left Savannah for this place, I 
dropped a letter into the post-office, saying among other 
things, that I was about to set my face homeward. We 
left Savannah on Thursday, A. M., and reached this to-day. 
Mr. K.'s* horse preceded my fox, and thus we both came in 
my gig. With a little more practice, I think, * upon a pinch,' 

I could demand $8 per month as a stage driver ;- but I 

feel like any thing else than a single light thought. 

" Were I to describe my feelings, I should represent my- 
self as pensive or disheartened. I do not complain : of all 
men I have most reason to be thankful. I would not 
complain — no ! never. But my dear brother I feel that 
I am not gaining much: the week or ten days past, the 
old pain has returned to my side. ***** Whatso- 
ever be the result, I hope in all things I shall be kept 
from sinning. Whether my days be few or many, nothing 
seems more abhorrent to my feelings, than to be situated 
where I shall be a burden. But to try me and others, 
this may be my lot. But desist — it is not good to borrow 
trouble. * * * *. 

" Yours affectionately, 

"James." 

From Augusta, Mr. Taylor wrote again, April 20th, in 
which he says : 

" How pleasant to feed in green pastures while travelling 
through the wilderness. To-day the Good Shepherd hath 
given me a rich repast My soul has gained strength from 
feeding on angels' food — if angels feast on the manifesta- 
tions of God to them. Singing one of the songs of Zion, 

* A fellow traveller for health, who sailed with Mr. T. from N. Y. 



MEMOIR. 



295 



my heart began to melt, and sweetly flowed down into ten- 
derness and love. To call God my Father, was sweet 
beyond expression. Christ, as my elder Brother, friend, 
Shepherd, Lord, my all, captivated all my powers, and I 
cried with a broken heart — 

' Thou lovely source of true delight, 
Whom I unseen adore ; 
Unveil thy beauties to my sight, 
That I may love thee more. 1 

" O how soul humbling ! how soul elevating ! how full 
of consolation! to have the manifestations of Jesus, as they 
are not made to the world. * * * Perhaps never with more 
confidence could I ask for the Holy Spirit. Blessed anoint- 
ings ! with this blessing we climb the 4 delectable moun- 
tains,' stand on * Mount Clear,' and look away to the fair 
land. How fair and desirable it appeared to me this even- 
ing ! More desirable than the land of my fathers ! O the 
prospect of meeting the holy, when I shall have answered 
the end of my being in this world. * * * * My prospect 
brightens, as God shows his beauties to my soul. And I 
long for the time to arrive when I shall become a disembo- 
died spirit. I wish to behold the glory which Christ wishes 
his disciples to see. 1 Father, I will that they whom thou 
hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold 
my glory.' Much is comprised in that word, glory. Well, 
it will not be long before the disclosure will be made. 

" Whenever I am so peculiarly blessed, then my longings 
are to preach the gospel. There is an intensity of feeling 
that finds no expression but in groans. Still I lie in the 
hands of God, and if I mistake not, acquiesce in his will ; 
and I feel fully persuaded that my protracted trials will issue 
in my good, whether I live or die. Through your prayers 
I may yet be restored and given to the church, to which, 
under God, long since and repeatedly I have surrendered 
myself. 

"24th. — It may disappoint you, as I have been disap- 
pointed ; but you would know my case fully. I had hoped 
that I should not have a return of bleeding. * * For two or 
three days previous to night before last, I had a stricture 
across my lungs, and they felt as though they were tied up. 
Then I had a turn of bleeding pretty much as when at New 
Haven. Last night there was another discharge of about 
the same amount, and this morning another. I feel no incon- 
venience from it, but am relieved, I have not room to say 



296 



MEMOIR. 



much of the kindness that is shown me. You would be 
grateful to witness the attentions that are paid to the stran- 
ger in his exile. And I am happy. This morning my 
spirit has been sweetly refreshed. Be not concerned about 

me," 

" Columbia, May 2d, 1828. 
* * « # « p or a wee ] £> i think, before I left Augusta, and 
since, there has been no blood from my throat or lungs. 
After all* think not too much of my recovery : I do not, ex- 
cept that I wish to live to preach the gospel. O how I have 
longed to put in the sickle here ! Last Sunday evening, a 
crowded house of young people waited to hear the truth. 
Think not that it injured me ; for I was better after it : it 
seemed to untie my lungs. As I delivered my message, I 
longed to follow it up. But no ; whether I live or die, the 
Lord be magnified." 

From Columbia, Mr. Taylor pursued his course north- 
ward, until reaching Louisburg, N. C, as a Christian tra- 
veller, he stopped to keep holy day, and thence sent the fol- 
lowing interesting letter ; 

"May 25th, 1828. 

• M My dear, dear Brother \ 

14 Though worn out with the journey of the day, you will 
allow me to pour a little from the fulness of my heart. 

" I am in a snug harbour, with the prospect of enjoying 
the approaching sabbath, by keeping holy day here. I need 
the day both for body and mind: to renew my physical 
strength for the journey, and to put on anew the armour of 
righteousness. 

14 My former letters bear testimony to repeated seasons in 
which I have been refreshed. Last night one occurred, and 
O how timely ! I wet my couch with tears, sweet tears, 
from a broken, submissive heart. My dear brother, you 
know what a solicitude I have felt to preach the gospel ; 
and but for preparation for this, how willing I was to re- 
linquish all, upon your visit to New Haven." [This re- 
fers to his brother's desire that he should travel for his 
health.} 44 O, it was a burning of soul, that would take no 
denial. You know, from my testimony, how I yielded the 
decision into God's hands, to dispose of me as pleased him. 
In this I have rested. Last night it seemed pretty clear to 



MEMOIR. 



297 



my mind what would be the result. I looked not for the 
olessedness of standing upon the beautiful walls of Zion, as 
a watchman to sound the alarm. The evidence was, that 
;he trumpet had failed. The fact stares me in the face. If 
t attempt to converse — to sing — to pray aloud, the once tuned 
nstrument is discordant; shortness of breath is trouble- 
lome. If I attempt to walk up a hill, it excites the lungs so 
nuch that respiration is difficult ; and even throwing my- 
self upon the bed produces breathing enough for one that 
has run a race. My lungs are very sensitive. Now all this 
was not the case when I left you, nor when I set out upon 
my journey from the south. A blessing came in connexion 
with the hold which the ministry had upon my heart, and 
with the interrogatory, Will you give it up % Dear brother, 
think my whole soul responded — and I hardly know how — 
Yes, yes, thy will be done : and there was a staying upon 
God, and a solid, indescribable comfort within. Thus you 
-see how one thing after another is lopping off. And indeed, 
more than ever, I thought it became me to set my house in 
order ; and I longed to live more like Christ, and to exhibit 
more of his character. The prospect was 'pleasant even of 
putting aside prospective labours, and of entering into rest. 
If it should soon take place, will not my brother, my dear 
brother, whom I seem to love more than ever, give me up ? 
Yes, like a Christian j and so will others whom I love. * * 

" As ever, yours, 

" James." 

Early in the month of June, Mr. Taylor arrived at his 
brother's, in New York, whence he sent a number of letters 
to his friends in different places, from which a few extracts 
will be given. 

Having previously announced to his parents and friends 
at Middle Haddam his arrival, on the 25th of June he wrote 
as follows : — 

44 New York, June 25th, 1828. 

" I doubt not my beloved friends on the hill would rather 
see my person than my letters. It is indeed great self-denial 
on my part not to gratify them. But as it is considered on 
the whole best for me to tarry here yet a little, I will again 
let you know of my affairs, * * * 

44 My letter written from Louisburg you have probably 
seen. In that, I think it was, I mentioned the fact that I had 



298 



MEMOIR. 



relinquished the hope of preaching. That conquest was a 
crown. Last night I obtained another: 4 Blessed is the 
man that endureth temptation, (trial,) for when he is tried, 
he shall receive the crown of life.' The trial that assailed 
me was a pain in my left breast, which to me appeared to 
be a new indication of my mortality. It was welcomed with 
joy. I yielded sweet assent. My heart was melted into 
tenderness, and my whole soul felt a preference, if it were 
God's will, to depart. I desired to be gone. I longed to 
see my heavenly Father, whose matchless goodness had 
plucked me as a brand from the burning. I longed to be 
with Christ. To see him to whom I am indebted for the 
muck he has done for me. I longed for the society of 
angels and saints, and thought of some whom I should, see 
among the glorified. 

" The goodness of God, as exhibited in my conversion, 
and the present comfort of soul in the midst of my protracted 
trials, w r as overwhelming. 

" Thus, my dear, dear parents, see that the Lord leaveth 
me not. Surely he is with me. And for his presence my 
pillow is often wet with tears of joy. * * * * 

" Should I recover, I shall look upon the varied dealings 
of God with me as happily preparatory to my future use- 
fulness. 

14 With love to you all, 

♦ 4 James." 

After remaining some weeks in New York, for the sake 
chiefly of medical advice and attendance, Mr. Taylor re- 
paired to his father's house, whence he wrote to his brother 

K a letter from which we make one or two extracts, 

showing the flattering nature of his disease, and exhibiting 
something of his character :— 

44 Middle Haddam, July 27, 1828. 

" My dear Brother : 

44 Conversation engrosses but little of my time. My 
food is light — digestion good. I ride more or less on horse- 
back or in my frig. During each day, spend some time in 
studying metaphysics, philosophy, and theology. 

44 From the fact that I am able to do more, and with 
greater facility, I persuade myself that I gather strength : 
I think I cough less. Blisters repeatedly applied have kept 
me not a little sore. However, it is good philosophy to en- 



MEMOIR. 



299 



dure a smaller, to root out a greater evil. Yesterday I felt 
sick of being sick, not so much on my own account, as on 
account of those so benevolently affectioned towards me. I 
hope it did not rise to a complaint of Providence. But the 
idea of so much and continued expenditure of the time, and 
money, and feelings, of others on my behalf, and with so 
little, if any amendment, sadly affected me. The proof too 
that I have of its all flowing from a fulness of overflowing 
kindness, on their part, only tended to make me feel more ; 
for a soul that feels undeserving and dependent, cannot but 
appreciate such favours, and is glad to unburden itself by 
expressing a corresponding gratitude. 

" This morning I felt strong enough to preach. I am 
encouraged, and live with the hope of one day triumphing 
over debility and disease, and standing forth a well man, to 
subserve the cause of God on earth. The hill looks well, 
and is improving. The trees grow finely. Are you and 
yours coming up ? We shall be glad to see you, and will 
do all we can to make you happy. Love to E. and the 
children. Yours, as ever, 

" James B. Taylor." 

To the same ; 

"Middle Haddam, 4th August, 1828. 

"Dew Brother: 

* * * * "I think myself gaining in strength and flesh, 
though little of either : enough, however, for encourage- 
ment. 

" I have been reviewing my course, so that I am well 
nigh prepared to be examined for license. Two of my 
class were examined and licensed, at New Haven, week 
before last. The Association meets again on the last Tues- 
day of this month to license the remainder. This being 
one thing that I wish to get out of the way, and being pre- 
pared for it, I have thought it best to be licensed also. My 
sermon I wrote, for the most part, when at the Soutji. 

" I presume your sentiments on this point will accord 
with mine. 

" Among other reasons, these have weighed somewhat 
on my mind, amid the uncertainty of my recovery, so as to 
be able to preach. 

" Should I be able to perform the duties of a naval chap- 
lain, and a sea voyage be recommended, I should gladly en- 
26 



300 



MEMOIR. 



ter such a sphere of labour for the sake of doing good and 
defraying expenses. Should I become a resident of a West 
India island, as has been suggested, if found to agree with 
my constitution, I had better go commissioned to preach 
than otherwise. Should I go South to spend the winter, it 
would not be a disadvantage to go as a preacher. Should I 
remain at home, a burden would be off my mind. So far, 
then, as I can see, I cannot but conclude that it is my duty 
to be examined and licensed with my class. * # * * 

" Yours truly, 

"J. B. Taylor." 

To the same : 

" Middle Haddam, 9th Sept. 1828. 
" Dear Brother K . 

* * * " I am here at anchor ; no head wind but blows some 
one good. I hope to ride out the storm patiently, and espe- 
cially amidst so many comforts. Often the sky, long low- 
ering clears away ; and hope, as if on wings, places me 
where I have longed to be, in the vineyard. 

" I read, the other day, 

1 The youth, 

Who in the glowing morn of vigorous life 3 

High reaching after great religious deeds, _ • 

Was suddenly cut off, with all his hopes 

In sunny bloom, and unaccomplish'd left 

His wither'd aims — saw everlasting days 

Before him dawning rise, in which to achieve 

All glorious things.' 

11 As I read I wept. O, my dear brother, it is hard work, 
but it is good work. But I am gaining, and ought to be 
thankful. A course of suffering may be the necessary 
means to prepare for a sphere of high action either in this 
or in the other world. Think not that I complain : No, I 
think I would not for the universe take my course into my 
own hands. * * * Why not give a call on the Hill ? We 
all would be so glad to see you. 

" Your much obliged, 

" J. B. Taylor." 

In accordance with Mr. Taylor's views on the subject of 
being licensed, he attended the Middlesex Consociation, 
which met in East Haddam, October 8th, 1828; read his 



MEMOIR. 



301 



trial sermon, on the text, John xii. 26, " If any man serve 
me, him will iny Father honour." — was examined, with 
respect to his own religious experience, his knowledge of 
Christian theology, and his ability to teach and defend the 
truths of the gospel — all which were approved, and he was 
licensed, according to the practice of the churches of New 
England, to preach as a candidate for the gospel ministry 
for the term of four years. 

But his health being unequal to the labour of executing 
this long desired commission, it was resolved by Mr. Tay-* 
lor's friends, but with his own hearty concurrence, that he 
should spend the winter at the Union Theological Seminary, 
in Prince Edward county, Virginia, in the family of the 
Rev. John Holt Rice, D. D., then Professor of Christian 
Theology in that Institution. To this retreat Mr. Taylor was 
invited by the affectionate kindness of Dr. Rice, and by the 
mild and healthful climate of that part of Virginia. Before 
setting out on this journey, he addressed letters to several 
of his friends, from which some extracts will now be given. 

To his friend L. R, he commenced a letter at Middle 
Haddam, on the 1st of October, and concluded it in New 
York, after leaving his father's house for the last time. 

Middle Haddam, October 1st, 1828. 
*' My much loved friend, 

" You will be glad to hear from me, though still * in 
bonds.' The chain that bound me when at your house in 
June, though not so heavy, still holds me. Whether I shall 
burst it, ere I become a disembodied spirit, is known only 
to Him, who has thus far upheld my goings. 

" This is to let you know that I consider myself convales- 
cent, though about my lungs there are indications no way 
flattering. Also, that I purpose to leave my paternal roof 
for another of my loved homes in New- York. ***** 
Should circumstances permit I may visit New-Jersey. # * * 
I do not make too much of seeing you, for I may be disappoint- 
ed; yet how gladly would we be comforters one of another. 

" The grave does not seem so near as it did when you 
saw me so prostrated ; but still I may be standing on its 
brink." * * * * 

" New York, October 31. 
" The above, as you perceive, I wrote nearly a month since. 
Hither I have come to sojourn but three days more. On 
Monday I expect to set sail, not to your dwelling, but to a 
26 



302 



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haven appointed by friends and physicians. I set sail for 
Petersburg, Virginia; thence I go to Prince Edward county 
to winter, unless in mercy I should be taken to a clime more 
desirable. 

" I have detained this with the hope that in person I should 
see you. For this purpose I had designed to pass through 
Princeton and Lawrenceville. But as my health does not 
warrant the fatigues of journeying, and the excitement of 
seeing dear friends, I am denied the pleasure. It is a self- 
denial. Perad venture I may return in the spring, better 
able to enjoy the society of those I love. If not, the land 
of dear delights is before me. Do you ask how I am in my 
protracted afflictions? The Lord doeth all things well. 
* * * Sweet thoughts of Jesus melt my soul. Commu- 
nion with heaven is soul elevating and soul transforming. 
In a word, I am a happy, though a sick and dying man. The 
Lord most gently and mercifully hands me down the hill of 
life, while the descent seems very short. O, it will be sweet 
to take the last step, and walk unto eternity. To me the 
grave wears choice attire — Paradise more choice, I wish, 
and often with longing, to see Jesus as he is, to mingle with 
the holy above — to sing the song of the shining ones. O 
think not that I am gloomy or depressed ; far, far, very far 
from it. Think of me as visited from above, and rolled 
along in a chariot all paved with love — think of me as one 
who loves you — think of me and pray for me, as one feeble, 
shattered, tottering, and almost falling — falling into the arms 
of our beloved. * # * * 

14 If my last — my most affectionate adieu, 

14 James B. Taylor." 

Reference has already been made to a fragment of a diary, 
kept for a short time during the latter part of this year. 
From this record w r e shall now present a few extracts : 

44 Oct. 9th, P. M. — Left my paternal roof on my way to a 
southern clime. Our tears flowed at the sound farewell,— 
dear, kind, affectionate kindred. 

44 1 Oth. — Reached New Haven, and one of my loved homes 
— again enjoyed the social and friendly intercourse of kind- 
red spirits. Our Christian communion was doubly sweet. 

44 1 enjoyed refreshings — especially in Sunday evening 
exercises, in which all were melted. 

44 13th. — Left New Haven, and again met those I love in 



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308 



New York, and again occupy a loved habitation, and again 
received the kind offices and sympathies of dear K. and E. 
Met Mrs. Palmer and Mary, who embark to-morrow for 
Charleston : they urge me to accompany them. I lie moored, 
and wait with sweet patience the decision of physicians and 
friends. May God direct. 

" Last night, though restless and wakeful, I was greatly 
blessed. My enjoyment of God, in the night season, filled 
me with sweet peace and strong confidence. I think I 
know and have felt for a season past, especially last night, 
the * strait' in which Paul was, I watered my pillow with 
sweet tears — I longed to fly away to Jesus— I longed to stay 
and labour in his cause. I can neither say let me die, nor let 
me live. My heart cries out for God to lead and dispose of my 
all. I am in his hands, and he will guide me even unto death. 

" 18th Oct. — I am now waiting the arrival of medical 
men, to examine and pronounce upon my case. Should 
they say that I am not in a confirmed consumption, or at 
least on the confines of it, I shall be disappointed. 

" Yesterday, P. M. and evening, I enjoyed sweet meltings 
of soul in view of the many mercies surrounding me. 
Surely, if on my way to an early grave, I am going down 
most comfortably — my dear friends load me with benefits. 

" It is sweet to look beyond time. I think I must -regard 
my labouring days as gone by, and perhaps I shall soon 
enter upon my long resting day. 

" It has made my heart ache to think that I should be put 
aside so soon; but grace has proved sufficient : I am sweetly 
patient. The Father smiles upon his child. A sympathi- 
zing Jesus is with me. Comfort and joy from the Holy 
Ghost pervade my soul. 

" Retrospectively, it appears that God has designed to 
perfect -me through sufferings — pain of body, and disap- 
pointment as to the ministry. Well, I am a witness to the 
wise dealings of the wise One. God knows what is best, 
and that is best for me. He hath led me, as he leads one to 
holiness, to happiness, to heaven — Amen. 

" 19th Oct. — The physicians came. — The result of their 
examination was unexpected. # * * So far as they could dis- 
cover, they thought me sound, except an affection of the 
mucus membrane, which they would endeavour to relieve. 
So it seems I may yet recover, and live to preach the gospel. 
Still uncertainty hangs over the restoration of my debilitated 
and overdone system. 

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MEMOIR. 



" From the examination, it was discovered that the cause 
of my painful days and nights for two years and more, was 
a spinal affection : which disease commenced, continued, and 
I hope terminated, without being found out before. 

" 28th. — Yesterday had sweet thoughts of Jesus. The 
thought of becoming a pure spirit refreshed my soul. 

" Last night, after I had retired, a precious love token was 
handed down to the un worthiest. The Lord remembereth 
that I am but dust ; I am of a feeble frame. Often 1 find it 
a laborious task to repeat even the four lines I learned in my 
earliest infancy — 1 Now I lay me down to sleep,' &c- Greatly 
fatiguing to repeat the Lord's prayer. How mercifully the 
Lord accommodates himself to this weakness. The other 
night I had but just lain down, and thought of the sweet plea- 
sures which religion affords, when my soul was filled with 
peace ; so, at times during the day, in my lonely hours as I 
sit, and while away the time, unable to study or read. Last 
night I was most refreshingly baptized — an unction from the 
Holy One. * * * 

" I thought of meeting one who asked me whether I had 
any solicitude now to preach the gospel. My answer was r 
No. I added, the days of my solicitude are gone by. Then 
I remembered seasons of anxiety, deep, nay, burning anxie- 
ty, that I had had to do the work of a minister of Jesus 
Christ. Mine eyes ran down with tears, # * with the 
sweet consciousness of an honest appeal to God, who had 
ever marked out my way. The seasons have not been few 
in which I have groaned for the work, and for due prepara- 
tion for it. The thought of relinquishing this object, was 
pleasing, if so the will of God be. Nay, I was rather desi- 
rous of leaving all behind and going to Jesus. I think I 
see enough worth dying for. 

"29th. * * * * Of the seven sons of my father's house, I 
am apparently further on my journey to the grave than any 
of them. — To-day I wept at the thought of soon leaving my 
dear friends far behind. I shall leave them more an invalid 
than when I went south last spring — it grieves me not, to 
think of bidding them adieu, even if it prove a last fare- 
well. I love them now — when glorified, how much more. 
Peace, and Heaven's choicest blessings attend them. It is 
sweet to think of falling into the hands of Jesus. It is delight- 
ful to confide in God as a Father, who has suited his dealings 
to the frailties of his little one — I wept in his presence as I 
remembered my disobedience. How great his grace and 



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305 



mercy. There is forgiveness with God. It was delightfully 
pleasant to contemplate the Holy Spirit as Comforter. I long- 
ed to see of the things of Christ, yet more and more brightly. 
* # Roll on ye wheels of time, and bring me a welcomed 
saint to the dwelling place of Jesus, my best beloved." 

On the 4th November, Mr. Taylor, as announced in his 
letters, embarked for Petersburg, Virginia, on his way to 
Prince Edward, and arrived on the 9th. Whence, on the 
15th, he wrote a letter to his brother at New Haven; with 
an extract from which, we close this year : 

" Bear F 

" Having entered on the study of your profession, make 
conscience of studying, to approve yourself unto God. To 
please God — to be blessed, and made a blessing, thus to live 
and be happy— should be our first, constant and last aim. If I 
sought for one thing more than an other in my preparatory 
course, academical, collegiate, and theological, it was to be 
signally anointed of God, for the great, the good, the most 
desirable, the highest work of man. I am happy in this con- 
sciousness. With little probability of ever doing this work, 
I am greatly glad that I sought this holy unction, and I can 
testify that I found it. All along I was anointed ; and I 
most affectionately and urgently present this as pre-eminent 
in importance. All else will go on well enough — rather let 
all else suffer, than forego the baptisms of the Holy Ghost. 

" It is very pleasant for me to think that God can glorify 
himself, and let me be an invalid. My confidence in God to 
endow me greatly, has much increased of late. Think of me 
then, not as desponding under his debarring me from the vine- 
yard, but as quite contented and happy — as rather willing 
to be sick, believing it to be his will. Think of me as handed 
down very kindly, tenderly, and mercifully, though rapidly, 
on my way to the grave. Heaven appears very desirable. 

" Ever truly and affectionately, 

"James." 

1829. 

The beginning of this year finds Mr. Taylor located in 
his last home on earth. Having spent a few days in Pe- 
tersburg and Richmond, enjoying the hospitalities of Chris- 
tian friends, whose privilege it was to entertain this devoted 
26* 



306 



MEMOIR. 



disciple, he proceeded to his destined resting* place, in the 
Union Theological Seminary, whither Dr. Rice had invited 
him to come and spend the winter. 

We are not without a number of letters written between 
the last date, 15th Nov., and the beginning of this year; but 
in none of them do we find either facts or sentiments which 
give any new exhibition of character. They speak of places 
and their aspect ; of Christian friends, and their kindness ; 
and of his gratitude to God and to them ; of the goodness 
of God, and of his own love and confidence, and acquies- 
cence in the divine will ; and of the alternations of hope and 
despondency, as he felt better or worse under the changes 
incident to one who is contending with the most flattering 
and fatal disease. But though borne down with his malady, 
and often oppressed with a sense of weakness almost intole- 
rable, Mr. Taylor lost no opportunity of endeavouring to 
relieve the anxiety of his relatives and friends, and of ex- 
pressing his strong affection for them. Nor did he cease 
to feel, and by all the means in his power to labour for that 
cause which to him was dearer than life. As an evidence 
of the interest he continued to feel in the advancement of 
Christ's kingdom ; and as an appeal which may reach some 
heart, and yet bring a faithful labourer into the service of 
the church, we give the following extract of a letter writ- 
ten 4th January, 1829. 

" Unable as I am to labour, and seeing the great harvest 
field and the fewness of the labourers, I am so interested 
that I cannot but urge men to go into the harvest. I know 
not what may be your decision now as to this object. * * * 
But these thoughts suggest themselves to me : Is it not in 
the power of my friend to do much in advancing the king- 
dom of Jesus Christ, by preaching the gospel ? Would not 
his father, from a consideration of the fewness of ministers, 
and the great and pressing call for them, say, ' Go, my son, 
and be a minister of Jesus Christ. I will consent to deny 
myself, for the sake of Him who left heaven to die on the 
cross.' How can you think of dragging out your life in 
that secluded spot on a farm, when you may go out i.ito the 
world, and be so much more useful. You are young — none 
too old to commence. In a few years you may be prepared, 
and then you may live many years to preach the gospel. As 
to means for your support, you need not be troubled: only 
make up your mind, and the way will be opened. 



MEMOIR. 



307 



14 1 present this subject to you to think of. Think of it 
alone. Go over the ground again and again, and see if it 
be not your duty to enter upon this work. Write to me about 
it. Tell me the difficulties, if there be any, in the way. 

" 1 shall be glad to hear of your spiritual welfare." 

To a much esteemed Christian brother, Mr. Taylor wrote 
on the 15th January, 1829. 

" Union Theological Seminary, 

"Prince Edward, Va. 

" Dear Brother B., 

" Your love-letter of the 1st inst. reached me a few days 
since. I was glad to break its seal, and find it was from a 
friend and brother beloved. 

" It has become so much of a task for me to write, that I 
must now put off my correspondents with a few lines only. 

" By the letters I have written, you have heard of my con- 
dition. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
keeps my heart through Christ Jesus. Since I saw you I 
have not been a stranger to sweet baptisms, whose fruit is 
lasting peace. On my behalf you will rejoice, 

" I am glad of your joy and peace in believing. May 
they increase more and more. 

" The Seminary is flourishing. Much has already been 
done by it for the good of this land. Very much more re- 
mains to be done. 

" My debility will be my excuse for brevity. I shall be 
glad to hear from you again and again. 

" Yours truly, 

"James B. Taylor." 

Of the same date, and from the same place, he wrote to 
his brother K. 

41 In my absence heretofore, as now, I have often thought 
myself the happiest of men. So be comforted, my dear bro- 
ther, and ever think of me as taken up by our heavenly Fa- 
ther, as a little one, and continually and greatly blessed. 
* * * * On Saturday, my soul was melted under a sense of 
our heavenly Father's presence. Sitting alone, my uplifted 
desire was uttered — Father give me the Holy Spirit. An 
unction from the Holy One greatly refreshed my soul. I 
had been saying, Lord, how long ? in reference to my pro- 



308 



MEMOIR. 



tracted trials. My whole soul yielded, and said, Even so 
long as the Lord will ; but thou wilt give me thy Spirit. I 
hardly know when my confidence gathered strength so fast, 
in God, that he would make me happy. With unusual 
sweetness I adopted the language of Jesus, 4 Father, glorify 
thyself O, I felt happy that he would be glorified. * * 
My confidence in the gift of the Holy Ghost was greatly 
strengthened. 

" After such baptisms the soul rests in calm, sweet, hea- 
venly peace. 

' Not a wave of trouble rolls 
Across my peaceful breast.' 

" With increased affection, 

" James." 

To another brother, Mr. Taylor wrote, on the 20th : 

* * * u Those letters that I have written cost me labour, 
as every effort does. And surely I know I would not -write 
again, but to gratify my friends. Though directed to one, 
they were meant to give information to all. * # # I am sorry 
that my brother thinks me depressed, when it is not so ; far 
from it ; peace rules in my heart ; melting baptisms come 
from above, and happify me from time to time. Think of 
me then as happy, very happy," 

To another friend, on the 25th : 

" I hope you are all well. I love to think of my friends 
as enjoying health. It gives me high pleasure : yet higher 
to know that they are abiding in Christ, and walking as he 
walked. 

M You have often heard my testimony to the rich grace of 
God. It now abounds unto me. His baptisms are followed 
with sweet peace. This helps me much to bear my weak- 
ness, which I find harder work than formerly. 

" Think of me as one blessed of God, and happy, though 
an invalid. 

" I have done no preaching, nor shall I do any but par- 
lour preaching. 

* * * " Let me be refreshed by a letter from you. Through 
letters I now obtain almost all my foreign pleasure. 

" This is written out of much weakness. And I should 



MEMOIR. 



309 



treat you as I should my other friends — not write a line, but 
to gratify you, for it is a great physical task. Glad am I 
always, at the last word. Farewell, as ever, yours, 

"Jas. B. Taylor." 

To his brother, K., Mr. Taylor wrote on the 1 1th Feb. 

* # # # « F or some time past, I have been gradually 
growing feeble. I am much more so than on my arrival. 
For a few days I seemed to have a coldness approximating 
to chill, succeeded by fever. * * * These changes enfeebled 
me much. My appetite has failed considerably. Though 
furnished with many varieties, I relish little. I am glad at 
every day's exit ; and though weaker and more helpless,* 
I hope to be returned to you with gladness, in much patience 
and full submission .to the will of our heavenly Father. * * 

" I am wearied already in this little doing. Affection- 
ately yours, James." 

" By my amanuensis, Mrs. R., I thought to tell you at 
greater length ; but like all glorious manifestations of God 
to the soul, this beggars description. However, let me say, 
that to-day I have had sweet thoughts of going to another 
world. Gladly while alone and resting in my easy-chair, 
would I have bade earth farewell, and winged my way to 
the paradise of God. The Lord said, Nay. I yet stay, and 
would patiently wait until my change come. I find it easier 
to dictate than to write with mine own hand, 

" James." 

We have now given to our readers the last letter which 
Mr. Taylor was able to write with his own hand. Nor have 
we any thing dictated by himself to his friends, with the 
exception of two short epistles, from which we present a few 
brief extracts : 

Union Theo. Seminary, Feb. 19th, 1829. 
" Dear brother K. : 

44 Since my last letter, which was a week ago, I have con- 
tinued to fail. * *. My nights are restless — cough increased 
—external things losing their interest — faith gathers strength. 

44 1 have often thought, though so weak, if the weather 
were suitable, of setting out for the north to spend my last 

* The ground of that hope was doubtless the opinion of his physicians, 
that with care he might recover. 



SIO 



MEMOIR* 



days among the friends I love. It has occurred to me as it 
never did before, that though grievous, it gives parents plea- 
sure to have their children, when dying, with them. Bro- 
thers, and sisters too, would rather than otherwise stand round 
the dying bed of one of their number. ****** 

" I should love to add all the comfort in my power to those 
who have so often comforted me. 

" To me it is apparent, I shall not survive the coming few 
months ; for oh the whole, my case is more critical than it 
ever has been before. The physicians begin to deal in may 
he! s. * * * I have told you the simple story of my feelings, 
that you may judge whether it be best that I attempt to come 
to you. 

" 20th. — This day I have been more feeble than yesterday, 
and the thought has naturally arisen, that this room may 
prove the place of my exit to another world. Believe that I 
am mercifully, and most kindly handed along down the hill 
of life, and I hope the last step will be to the glory of God. 

" Unless I should gain some strength, this will be the last 
letter that I shall ever dictate. But you will hear of me 
through my kind friends, who are ever ready to be my 
helpers. 

" With increased affection and love to you all, 

" James." 

"Union Theo. Seminary, March 3d, 1829. 
" Dear Christian Friend, 

" On my sick, and probably my dying bed, I frequently 
think of you. 

" Your letter, which gave me pleasure, came to hand in 
due time ; answering it, instead of employing my own hand, 
I am under the necessity of writing by the hand of another. 

" For weeks past I have been sinking rapidly — I am now 
almost helpless and worn out, and unless there be a change 
soon, this ' mud- wall' d cottage' will presently fall to the 

ground. I mention this to show dear brother D , that if 

he ever see me in the flesh, it must be very soon. 

" One of my brothers is on the way to me, to be a comfort 
with my other friends, in these days of decline. You may 
rejoice with me, in that I rejoice in the Lord always. The 
prospect of changing worlds is pleasant. The home of the 
Holy is inviting. 

" Farewell : With much love, 

"J. B. Taylor." 



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311 



The last piece of writing which Mr. Taylor left in his 
own hand, purports to be his will, and bears date the 1st 
March, 1829, from which we extract the following sentence : 

" On my bed of sickness, Prince Edward. Symptoms of 
disease all tending to announce my departure, I wish to say 
now that T am peaceful. The prospect of changing worlds 
is pleasant," 

Among the numerous letters, expressing the gratitude of 
those who had been blessed through his labours, and the 
love and sympathy of Christian friends, there is one from 
the Rev. Matthias Bruen, former pastor of the Presbyterian 
church in Bleecker-street, New York, which breathes a 
spirit so sweet, that the reader cannot fail to be pleased with 
its insertion, 

"New York, March 24, 1829. 

" The picture of you, my dear brother, has been vividly 
present to the little company of your friends here, and we 
have thought of ourselves lingering like you on the thresh- 
hold of eternity. Ah ! it is all the threshhold of eternity — 
and to believers it is even now eternal life. This is the 
record, that God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life 
is in his Son. He that believeth the Son hath life. 

" We have endeavoured to pray for you. You have some 
tender-hearted friends in our little church besides your dear 
relations, and are to them, while you breathe here, an object 
of ceaseless sympathy, and while they breathe, of hope and 
love. 

" While I have been standing where you once stood, to 
pray and preach to my little charge, your image has been 
before my mind, and, I thank God and take courage for the 
support you have as yet had : for your calamities are nearly 
overpast, while ours are yet to begin. May the chief Shep- 
herd, who gave his life for yours, fill you even now with 
joy unspeakable. 

" In this season of calamity to us, I know not how to write 
to you, who are so soon perhaps to know the certainty of the 
things in which the spirit of Christ has instructed you. You 
have a baptism for all that you are to accomplish. If I were 
near enough, I should rather sit at your feet and hear, or only 
look on. I cannot say a word to you — rather, dear brother, 
I would ask a parting prayer for me. I know that the 
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312 



MEMOIR. 



thought of our love is pleasant to you among earthly things, 
if the bright view of the Redeemer does not bedim all that 
is created. I shall always cherish the feeling of love to 
you, knowing that it will better prepare me to finish my 
work, and to meet the Son of Man, who hath poiver on earth 
to forgive sins. Here is our consolation — sins like scarlet 
and crimson may be forgiven — even we may walk in white ! 

" Until my hope of your surviving this severe dispensation 
is absolutely destroyed by the ariival of your great change, 
I look for something encouraging, as your days are pro- 
longed: but we hope faintly. Into the care of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ, we cheerfully commit you. He 
loves you more than we can. Oh ! that I could commit 
myself to him with like ardor of confidence, that neither life, 
nor death, shall separate from his love. 

" If you care to spend a moment's thought about any 
thing in the world, believe that a few persons here, as well 
as elsewhere, love you with a peculiar and lively affection^ 
who would gladly kneel beside your bed and endeavour to 
alleviate your bodily sufferings, and who sympathise with 
the other bosoms which have yielded you such sweet repose 
in Virginia. Shall we not love even our Saviour more, that 
so many are created anew in his image to love one another ? 
May we live to love one another where they never die any 
more. 

" With a faithful affection, and a remembrance of you 
never to cease, your unworthy brother in the hope of the 
gospel, 

" M. Brtjen." 

As the reader has already anticipated, Mr. Taylor gradu- 
ally, and from this time, rapidly declined, until his feeble 
body failed, and he went peacefully to his rest. On the 
29th of March, 1829, in the 28th year of his age, at half past 
six o'clock, on the evening of the holy Sabbath, he left the 
world in full assurance of a blessed immortality. But we 
cannot give a better account of the closing scene, than in the 
language of those whose privilege it was to see how this 
good man died. 

" We have just witnessed the departure of a Christian — - 
of an eminent Christian, from this world of trial, to that of 
everlasting rest — the Sabbath which is eternal in the heavens. 

" For a considerable time during his sickness, his debili- 



MEMOIR. 



313 



ty was so great that he required unremitted attention, day 
and night; yet they to whose lot it fell to nurse him in his 
last hours, so far from heing wearied out hy the labour, con- 
sidered it a privilege to he near him. And their testimony 
is, that his conversation gave them more enlarged ideas, than 
they ever had before, of Christian experience, and a more dis- 
tinct conception of the power and preciousness of religious 
truth. 

" From the time he came among us to the last moment of 
life, his faith did not fail, nor even falter ; nor did a cloud in- 
tercept his view of heaven. It would require a volume to 
record his various expressions of love, joy, and triumph — - 
and all the same, whether he had hopes of recovery, or felt 
that he soon must die. The full exercise of reason was 
granted to him until the last. And when death came, al- 
though as fully sensible of it, as any who attended him, yet 
his spirit was as calm as a * summer evening,' and he re- 
marked that he ' had endeavoured to live in such a w r ay, 
that when he came to die, he should have nothing to do but 
to die.' About five minutes before his death, he said: ' Fare- 
well to you all, and farewell to this earth.' Then, after a 
short time, addressing a beloved friend who was supporting 
him, he said with great emphasis : * Strive ! strive P His 
friend asked him, 'Strive to do what?' * To enter into the 
kingdom of heaven. 1 These were his last words. His ruling 
passion was strong in death : to the very last moment he 
wished to preach the gospel. After uttering this solemn 
exhortation, he drew a long breath — another and another — 
and then without a struggle or a groan, his breast gradually 
sunk, and he gently fell asleep in Jesus; and took an upward 
flight, * if ever soul ascended.' " 

Reader, may we die the death of the righteous, and may 
our last end be like his. Do you reply, Amen? Then let 
us strive — strive to enter into the kingdom of heaven ; 1 for 
many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not 
be able.' 

It may gratify the reader, to see the letters from which 
the foregoing account of the closing scene was taken. To 
these shall be added extracts from several communications to 
those who collected the materials of which this little work is 
composed. In these communications, there is sufficient proof 
that the religious public is indebted for this compilation, not 
so much to the partiality of admiring relations, as to a just 
27 



314 



MEMOIR. 



estimate of Mr. Taylor's Christian character, and to a de- 
sire to do good, and to magnify the grace of God. 

The first letter is from Dr. John Holt Rice, to the eldest 
brother of the subject of this memoir. 

"Union Seminary, 29th March, 1829. 

" My beloved friend and brother, 

" It devolves on me to perform a mournful office. I have 
a brother whom I educated fcr the ministry, and I feel to- 
wards him as I do not towards any other human being, a sort 
of mingling of parental and fraternal affection; and I know 
you will feel, when I tell you that dear James is gone. * * 

" His sufferings, for some time past, have been very se- 
vere — not so much from pain as from excessive debility. 
This was so great, that, as you may have seen from my for- 
mer communications, the wonder was he did not die sooner, 

" Apart from natural feelings of sorrow for the loss of one 
so beloved, and grief that the church should be bereaved of 
so precious a young minister, there is nothing in the case of 
your dear brother but cause of joy and thanksgiving. Du- 
ring his whole sickness, and amidst all the changes produ- 
ced by disease in his spirits, he never had the shadow of a 
doubt in regard to his acceptance ; his faith never failed, 
nor did his love grow cold. In the midst of all his sickness, 
the adversary was most mercifully restrained; and he en- 
joyed the presence of his redeeming Lord. His affectionate 
heart, too, retained all its kindness, and he enjoyed to the 
last, the sympathetic attentions of those who ministered to 
his wants. Dear man ! he won our love most entirely. 

" He was graciously permitted to exercise his reason to 
the very last, and showed what was the bent of his mind by 
his dying speech : Strive ! strive ! * * to enter into the king- 
dom of heaven. # * 

" How mysterious this event! Since it has appeared to 
me inevitable, that one so prepared for the ministry, and so 
desirous to be useful, as our dear brother was, should die, 
the thought has often occurred to me, that there are services 
for very holy and devoted men, in a higher sphere, to which 
they are called, and where they do incomparably more for 
the glory of the divine Redeemer, and are more useful than 
they could possibly be on earth : and while we are wonder- 
ing that they should be cut off, and disappoint all our hopes 
of their usefulness, they probably do more in a day, in hea- 
ven, than they could do in a lifetime, in this world. The 



MEMOIR. 



315 



Master had use for our brother above, and called for him. 
We would have kept him here. I confess I never have 
seen a young man whom I so much wished should live. 
" But why should he come here, far from home, to die % 

* * * On his passage to heaven, God sent him by this place, 
that it might be seen here what a young minister ought to 
be, and how a Christian can suffer and die. And perhaps 
you have thus been permitted to do more for us than could 
be done with money. 

" Dear brother ! I sympathize with you and your afflicted 
relations. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
" Most affectionately yours, 

"John H. Rice.' 7 

The following letter is from Mrs. Rice to Mr. Taylor's 
mother ; 

" Union Theological Seminary, 3d April, 1829. 

" If I can in the least degree alleviate the sorrow of the 
dear mother of my beloved friend, most gladly will I do it ; 
and your afflicted son,* who does us the favour of remaining 
awhile with us, thinks a letter from me would be some com- 
fort to you. If mingling my heart with yours, and feeling 
all a mother's bereavement, could lessen the weight of your 
grief, then would it indeed be lightened. 

" I regret exceedingly, that I did not every day set down 
all that was interesting in relation to my dear happy sufferer. 
But much, I trust, is engraved on my memory and on my 
heart, never to be forgotten or neglected. I have indeed been 
most highly privileged, and am sincerely thankful to our 
Heavenly Father, for sending to my care so precious a child 
of His, He seemed from the first to come as a blessing to me, 
and to raise my idea of holy living and of Christian enjoy- 
ments. He ever seemed happy, joyful, triumphant, until 
disease wore down his animal spirits. But his faith, hope, 
peace, never for a moment failed, but continued perfect to 
the last. I inquired shortly before he left us, the state of 
his mind, when he replied : * Perfect peace ; but too weak 
to think or talk. 7 When he found he must die from you, 
he wept much, and grieved at the thought of your sorrow, 

* Dear father ! dear mother ! What would I not do to com- 
fort you,' he would often say* 'but my Heavenly Father is 

* A brother of the deceased, who was with him when he died 
27* 



316 



MEMOIR, 



pleased to have it so, and I love to please Him.' He did, 
indeed, delight more in the love of God, and in doing his 
will, than any one I have ever before seen. He spoke of 
his removal, as of going on a foreign mission. He loved to 
serve his Lord wherever he appointed him, and hoped to be 
engaged in the delightful work for ever. He often spoke 
of rest for his poor body ; but his happy spirit longed to 
serve and please his heavenly Father perfectly. He often 
spoke of seeing you all soon, and of welcoming you to a better 
world, never more to part. He is not, my dear madam, lost 
even to us : if we live as he did, we shall again enjoy sweet 
intercourse with him. His words, 'My friend for eternity, 1 
have made a deep impression upon my heart. O ! that his 
mantle may rest on me and on this seminary. 

" My grandmother lost a daughter in the state of Ken- 
tucky. To some it was matter of surprise that she bore the 
bereavement so calmly and cheerfully. She remarked, * Hea- 
ven is not as far from me, as Kentucky. I shall soon join 
her. She had much to suffer in this world ; now she is per- 
fectly happy ; and why should I grieve.' 

11 My grandmother never expected to see her child again 
had she lived, but you and your dear son did expect to meet 
again on earth, and he enjoyed much the thought of intro- 
ducing us to each other. But his joys are now far above 
mortal conception. O had we but a glimpse of his glory, 
we should adore and praise the Lord, and not repine. He 
did not finish his course among strangers, though far from 
home. Many saw, admired, and loved him, and to me he 
was inexpressibly dear. I may say is, for I know he still 
exists, glorious and happy. You are the blessed mother of 
a son safe in heaven. We rejoice that on his way there, he 
called at the Seminary, and gave a new impulse to holiness 
of life among us. He had a tedious, exhausting time of 
suffering, and I felt, for weeks, as if going through the dark 
valley with him. But the light of God's countenance ever 
shone to guide and sustain him. Such a lovely spirit is 
rarely known on earth ; and now he is gone to a more 
genial clime. * * He who never errs has ordered all. * * * 
" Yours, very affectionately, 

"A. S. R." 

Of the letters received by Mr. Taylor's relations, while 
collecting the materials for this memoir, we insert the fol- 
lowing, from the Rev. Frederic W. Hotchkiss : 



MEMOIR. 



sir 



"Saybrook, May 8th, 1829. 

61 Dear Sir, 

" Yours of the 24th ultimo, enclosing a letter from Dr. 
Rice, on the death of your brother, my very dear friend in 
Christ, is now before me, moving on the deep feelings of my 
heart, and awakening some of the tenderest recollections of 
my life. I had seen the obituary notice, and the just and 
very appropriate remarks on his Christian character and 
peaceful departure ; and after a short indulgence to the af- 
fectionate remembrance, while dwelling on the dear name, 
we resorted to his letters to hold converse with that sainted 
spirit, 1 who being dead yet speaketh.' These letters will, 
according to your request, be transmitted by the first friendly 
conveyance we can find. You will perceive they are a little 
sullied by the hands of many readers, but they will not be 
the less appreciated, because much used and often read. 

" Our first interview with your brother was in my house, 
presenting me a letter of introduction from a reverend friend 
in the vicinity. There is a feature, a voice, a language, in a 
deep feeling Christian, which we sometimes think is too evi- 
dent to be mistaken. There was a religious sympathy then 
pervading our hearts, which was ardently reciprocated on his 
part. We felt as if we had found a dear Christian brother, 
and our hearts burned within us, and we never for a moment 
in our future acquaintance, had reason to think or feel differ- 
ently. It was a season of deep feeling among my people, 
and in my family too, when our intercourse commenced ; 
and in a very short time, he seemed as a son and a brother, 
in the best bonds ; and thus we ever esteemed him. Fre- 
quently he visited us, and always he laboured, and prayed, 
and exhorted among my people, while with us ; and will 
never be forgotten as one all devoted to the cause of lifting 
up souls to heaven. To how many he may have been a 
sweet savour of life, I know not, but I do believe his hea- 
venly example, ardent prayers, and impressive conversation, 
were blessed to the conversion of some very near to me ; and 
who will, one day, I believe, meet him in heaven, and hail 
him as Christ's chosen instrument of their eternal good. * * 

" To spend and to be spent in the service of Christ, and for 
the salvation of souls, was his all in all. Often would he say, 
' None but Christ : all for Christ.' * # 

" He died as he lived, in the triumphs of that faith which 
could say, ' Lord, when, where, and how thou wilt.' 4 Thy 
holy will, and thy whole will be done.' * * We lose the 
27* 



318 



MEMOIR. 



benefit of his life, but let us not lose the benefit of his death, 
His name is embalmed in the memory of many surviving 
friends ; and while the remembrance is precious, may we 
learn to be followers of him, who through faith and patience, 
inherits the promises. 

" With sympathy and reciprocated prayers, 
" Your friend and servant, 

" Frederic W. Hotchkxss." 

Another minister of Christ, in forwarding some letters 
which he had received from Mr. Taylor, said : "lam re- 
joiced that you think of collecting his remains. It must do 
good; it cannot be otherwise." A third writes: "I am 
much pleased that a Memoir of James is to be written. I 
think it will be instrumental of great good. I never was 
acquainted with one of whose piety I had a more exalted 
opinion." A fourth says : " Your excellent brother came 
to my house when there was a powerful religious excite- 
ment among my people, and spent two weeks in animating 
professed Christians to greater efforts, and more humble 
and fervent prayer that they might grow in grace, and 
make greater attainments in the knowledge of our Lord 
Jesus Christ; and in labouring for the conversion of sin- 
ners. I have no doubt he will find some among my people 
who will be his joy and crown of rejoicing throughout eter- 
nity : and I am happy in the belief that some of my church 
will wear a brighter crown of glory than they would have 
done, if your brother had never come among them. I will 
only add, that we all loved and esteemed him as a faithful 
brother in Christ." 

Another pious and devoted friend, who was long and 
intimately acquainted with the departed saint, wrote : " I 
would beg leave to observe, that I think we have before the 
public, quite enough of biographical sketches; and that the 
lives of but few, if faithfully recorded, are calculated, on the 
whole, to do much good to the religious world; though 
they may have some valuable traits, and it may be very 
gratifying to their surviving friends, yet the multiplication 
of such works has a tendency to weaken the force of those 
that are truly excellent. I would not therefore encourage 
the publication of the memoirs of any departed friend, unless 
his life had been very uncommon, and calculated to elevate 
the standard of piety and usefulness. That of our dear 
departed friend, I think, was exactly of this kind." 



MEMOIR. 



319 



We do not desire to multiply these testimonies to a 
wearisome length, and shall therefore conclude with short 
extracts from three others, from the most respectable sources, 
The first is a letter from a man who had enjoyed Mr. Tay- 
lor's society often, and his friendship for several years, and 
had as ample opportunity to know him thoroughly, as most 
of those who have given their testimony concerning him : 

" It will give my wife and myself sincere pleasure to con- 
tribute, in any way we can, towards the intended Memoir, 
to render it as full and interesting as it should be. 

" To place his character before the reader in all its variety 
of excellence, we think, will be no easy matter. To have 
any thing like a just impression of him as he really was in 
life, would require that intimate knowledge of him, which 
we were privileged to enjoy. We can say that we never 
met with such sweetness of disposition, such a noble con- 
tempt of earthly things, such heavenly mindedness, such 
entire devotion of the whole being to his God and Saviour, 
such earnest desire to promote his Master's cause, in bring- 
ing all, within the sphere of his influence, to the knowledge 
of the truth; and, united with all this, a form and manners 
of such peculiar loveliness and grace, and a beauty and 
consistency of character, such as to our mind made him a 
more perfect model than we had ever known. * * * 

" We believe there are those here, as well as in every 
place where he sojourned on earth, that feel they are under 
obligations to him which can never cease to bind them." 

The second is from a clergyman, in which we find this 
passage : " James B. Taylor laboured with me five or six 

weeks, during a revival in T , in which between twenty 

and thirty souls were hopefully converted. During that 
time, I was led to observe the manner and spirit of his con- 
versation with young people, on religious subjects. How 
winning and affectionate ! He could speak of the fearful 
looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, without cre- 
ating any antipathy to himself. Sinners were won by his 
sweet voice, and Christian courtesy, whilst they trembled 
for their souls, and felt the necessity of repentance. His 
words were all for his divine Master. I never knew him 
trifle ; he allowed himself indeed no relaxation whilst here. 
He laboured till he was obliged, through fatigue and weak- 
ness, to desist j and then his only wish was to recruit, that 



320 



MEMOIR, 



he might renew his efforts in the service of his Redeemer. 
Could ministers be found as unremitting and ardent as he 
was, few, where the gospel is preached, would be left with- 
out convictions, at least, if not hopefully converted, through 
such instrumentality." 

The last is from the Rev. Dr. Miller, of the Theological 
Seminary at Princeton. " I do hope," says Dr. M., 44 that 
the Memorial of this beloved and excellent youth, which 
you propose to have erected, will be long a useful monu- 
ment for candidates for the holy ministry. If his heavenly 
spirit should be held forth as it ought to be, it cannot fail to 
benefit the sons of the church, who are looking forward to 
that sacred office. 

" I have a growing conviction that we need nothing in 
our rising ministry more than deep, scriptural spirituality. 
If we had larger measures of that ardent thirst for the eter- 
nal welfare of our fellow men, a more inextinguishable 
desire to win souls to Christ, such as our devoted brother 
had, it would be a pledge of brighter days for our American 
Zion. }) 



CONCLUSION. 

In bringing to a close this work, valuable to the compiler 
at least, it may be useful, briefly to survey the character of 
Mr. Taylor, in the relations which he sustained, and in the 
several situations in which he was placed by the providence 
of God, that the force of his example may be concentrated, 
and its impressions received, by those who may sustain the 
like relations, and be in pursuit of the same objects. 

1. Then let him be contemplated as a Christian; and in 
this contemplation let it be recollected, that very early after 
his conversion, he adopted the resolution to become an 
uncommon Christian. 

This resolution, deliberately formed, and with full per- 
suasion of its practicability, seems to have been acted on 
with remarkable consistency and perseverance, and with 
that decision of character, without which nothing of moment 
can ever be accomplished. And in order to its fulfilment, 
he betook himself to the Bible, with the docility of a little 



MEMOIR. 



321 



child, and with strong confidence in the faithfulness of God. 
Believing that " the life of God in the soul of man" has its 
infancy, and its growth to maturity; and that whatever 
attainments may have been made, the promises of God, and 
the fulness of grace that is in Christ Jesus, warrant the 
expectation of still higher attainments — Mr. Taylor, with the 
most commendable diligence, used the means by which 
alone such expectations can be realized. With constancy 
he searched the scriptures — not for subjects of speculation — 
not as a mere intellectual exercise — but with a strong desire 
to ascertain what affections ought to be cherished, and what 
duties performed. In the Bible, as in a mirror, he looked 
at himself ; and in the light of the Bible he contemplated 
every object that claimed his attention or solicited his affec- 
tions. He was indeed a Bible Christian. Perhaps no one 
ever more implicitly subjected his whole being to the in- 
spired word. 

Regarding the promises as sure, he desired and sought 
with irrepressible ardour those divine communications which 
the Lord Jesus vouchsafes to his followers, in measures pro- 
portioned to the strength of their faith, the fervour of their 
prayers, and their faithfulness in duty. He believed it to 
be the privilege of the saints to live in the light of the divine 
countenance. And whenever, through inadvertence, or the 
rising of sinful thoughts, or the movement of irregular de- 
sires, or the neglect of duty, a cloud came over his soul ; he 
ceased not to humble himself, to mourn in secret places, to 
wrestle, and even agonize in prayer, until the joy of God's 
salvation was restored, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost 
were again afforded. And when in uninterrupted commu- 
nion with God, he did not, as is too often the case, rest satis- 
fied, but his heart still panted for more grace, more light, 
and faith, and love — more of every thing that might elevate 
his piety, and increase his moral power. Nor did Mr. 
Taylor's religion expend itself in the raptures of devotion, 
or in the delights of heavenly contemplation. Its sweet 
savour was manifested in all the relations he sustained. 

Perhaps few persons have ever discovered more of filial 
piety, or fraternal love. And while these affections flowed 
out in all his correspondence, and in all his intercourse with 
his family, and in all respects, were tempered and sweetened 
by his religion, yet, veneration for his parents, and respect 
for the senior members of the household, never for a moment 
restrained him from urging upon them the paramount claims 



322 



MEMOIR. 



of his Master ; but always in a manner most earnest, tender, 
and respectful. 

Nor did he content himself with efforts to augment the 
piety of those to whom he was bound by the ties of nature. 
In all his intercourse with the saints, and in his voluminous 
correspondence with Christian friends, his constant aim was, 
either by testifying of the grace of God to himself, or by 
direct exhortations, to stimulate them also to become uncom- 
mon Christians. " Set your standard high," was his frequent 
charge — " There remains yet very much land to be pos- 
sessed." 

The abiding conviction upon Mr. Taylor's mind, (and 
certainly it accorded with truth,) was, that Christians gene- 
rally live far below their privileges. And to this cause he 
attributed much of their inefficiency in promoting the inte- 
rests of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

It is indeed a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation, 
that the church is paralyzed, for the want of that vigour of 
life, which is within the reach of all in whom the principle 
of vitality has been implanted by the Holy Ghost. This 
evil Mr. Taylor saw and felt ; and while he resolved 
that, by the grace of God, it should not exist in his own 
case, against it he talked and wrote, prayed and lived ; 
and not without some encouraging success. 

His Christian character was a beautiful whole. Not 
indeed absolutely perfect — to this he made no pretensions — 
yet as near the fair proportions in which it is drawn in the 
word of God, as can almost ever be found in this imperfect 
state. And in this respect his example is most worthy of 
imitation. 

It is indeed melancholy to observe, how frequently the 
fair form of Christianity appears as a mere caricature — 
deformed, rickety, unsightly — in aspect so forbidding as 
rather to repel than allure the multitude, who have no know- 
ledge of her but what they derive from the spirit, conver- 
sation, and conduct, of her professed friends. As exhibited 
by some, she appears in the form of a cold and heartless 
orthodoxy ; with a head filled with notions, which have no 
influence in refining the affections or regulating the prac- 
tice. In others, with an eye of fire, and a tongue sharpened 
with bitter words, ready to denounce all who are not actu- 
ated by the same burning zeal — a zeal unmitigated by the 
meekness of heavenly wisdom. In others, again, she ap- 
pears all deformed with passion — all ecstasy in the religious 



MEMOIR. 



323 



assembly — all tenderness in the hour of excitement — but in 
the world, morose, censorious, proud, selfish, and dog- 
Such was not the religion of James Taylor. His faith 
worked by love, purified the heart, and overcame the world. 
.His was the wisdom that comes from above — first pure, then 
•peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated ; full of mercy 
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy ; 
and ever brought forth the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, 
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meek- 
ness, temperance. 

But there were some traits in this lovely character which 
ought to be noticed with more distinctness; not only because 
of their beauty, but because there is a deplorable deficiency 
in most of those who bear the name of Christ, and in some 
measure possess the mind that was in him. These were 
spirituality and humility ; the latter resulting, as it always 
does, in man sanctified but in part, from the former. 44 His 
spirituality," says Dr. M., in a letter from which an extract 
has been already made, 44 was so uniform, that we had only, 
as it were, one face, and that of intense brightness, to behold." 
Spirituality is the habit of a soul illuminated by the tr-uth, 
and sanctified through that truth, by the Spirit of God. Such 
an one employs his thoughts and exercises his affections 
with facility and with lively interest on spiritual objects. 
He sets the Lord always before him, apprehends the law ot 
God in its cognizance of the inner man, and feels and acts 
under a sense of its obligations. Jesus Christ is present 
by the spirit with his heart, is seen in his beauty, is sub- 
mitted to in his authority, and is alone trusted for salvation, 
and loved as 4 the chiefest among ten thousand.' 

No one can read the letters and journal of James B. 
Taylor, and not perceive that spiritual things were the very 
element of his soul ; — of them he thought, and wrote, and 
talked, and, in all situations, acted in reference to them and 
under their influence. 

One effect of this gracious habit of mind, was humility, 
without which there can be no genuine religion. Jesus 
Christ was meek and lowly in heart, and no one can have 
learned of him without imbibing some measure of this 
excellent grace. Without it there may be ardour in reli- 
gion j and then will be seen; acted out, if not heard, the cry, 
** Came, see my zeal for for the Lord of hosts." And in this 
day of excitement, when every thing must be done with 
28 



324 



MEMOIR. 



strong feeling and vigorous action, it is painful to observe 
how much that commends itself to the spirit of the age, is 
either sadly deficient, or wholly destitute, of the brightest 
glory of the religion of a sinner saved by grace. 

He is an humble man who forms a just estimate of his 
own character, as he weighs himself in the balance of the 
sanctuary, and feels aright the force of his own judgment 
of himself. He compares himself, not with those around 
him, whom he may think or see to be less perfect than 
himself, but with the law of God, and with the holy exam- 
ple of Jesus, which is the law practically exhibited for the 
imitation of his followers. 

That James Taylor was distinguished by his humility 
cannot be questioned. Living as he did, every day, in the 
presence of God, realized and felt; and looking at himself 
habitually, in the light of God's truth and holiness, he saw, 
as in a polished mirror, the defects in his own character, and 
took cheerfully his place in the dust. At those seasons when 
he enjoyed most of the divine presence, and the brightest 
manifestations of the glory of God, we always find him 
taking the lowest place, and like Job, saying, " I have heard 
of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye seeth 
thee: wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and 
ashes." But not only did his humility show itself in his 
communion with God, but in his intercourse with men. He 
was ever ready to render honour to whom honour is due, so 
that when those of age and experience would interpose to tem- 
per his ardour and to regulate his course, he would respect- 
fully and meekly hear, and seriously consider : and if their 
counsel commended itself to his understanding and his con- 
science, he would cheerfully yield, and that too, when com- 
pliance was tasked with the most painful self-denial : and if, 
in the impetuosity of his feelings, he had taken his course, he 
would, on conviction of his mistake, promptly retrace his 
steps with ingenuous confessions of his error. Nor did he, 
as far as appears, ever treat any one with that contempt or 
even disrespect which is the offspring of pride. His sense 
of propriety and his humility seemed ever to restrain him 
from rudely denouncing those whose zeal and devotedness 
were apparently less than his own. 

Very nearly allied to humility is gentleness; a Christian 
grace, an ornament, which gives softness and loveliness to 
all the rest. In this our dear Christian brother so excelled, 
that none feared him : no, none was repelled from him, and 



MEMOIR. 



325 



he found easy access to the hearts, even of those who would 
otherwise avoid his company from hatred to his holiness. 

The attentive reader of his remains, as presented in the 
foregoing compilation, has doubtless observed already that 
the great means by which Mr. Taylor made such distin- 
guished attainments in piety, were the Bible, as noticed be- 
fore, and the throne of grace. He was remarkably a man 
of prayer. In secret devotions, he had his consecrated 
place, and his fixed time ; nor would he allow any thing to 
interfere with this arrangement. And as he did himself, so 
he exhorted others to do : " Have a fixed place and time for 
devotion." 

2. Let us contemplate this eminent saint in his conduct as a 
student ; and in this, perhaps, as much as in any other 
respect, he has left an instructive example. 

Too often the complaint has been made — and oftener, the 
effect has been seen and lamented — that an academical and 
collegiate life, has damped the ardour of piety, or greatly di- 
minished its power. Indeed the impression has been deep, 
and disastrous, that this is the necessary effect of a course 
of study in our public literary institutions. Such have been 
the facts, as to create a prejudice in many pious minds.against 
a college education. 

The incorrectness of this impression, capable, a 'priori, 
of being proved, has been practically demonstrated by the 
Christian student, whose course we are reviewing. 

Mr. Taylor, aware of the existence and of the bad effects 
of this notion, entered upon his course of studies with his 
resolution fixed and his rules adopted ; by a strict adherence 
to which, he was effectually secured 1 against the influence 
of that esprit du corps, and those unholy associations, which 
have so often and so sadly impaired the strength of piety in 
those who had gone before him. 

Upon entering college, he resolved to perform his duties 
in the following order : 

1. Take care of the soul. 

2. Take care of the body. 

3. Take care of his studies. 

By observing this order — giving to reading the Bible and 
prayer a due portion of time, and always seeking until he 
enjoyed communion with heaven, he ever kept alive the 
flame of love, so that, at the close of his collegiate course 
of studies, he said to a friend, " I have, while in college, 
28 



326 



MEMOIR. 



enjoyed much of the presence of God. The years I have 
spent in Nassau Hall, will long be remembered as sweet 
seasons of communion with the Holy Ghost, and of special 
manifestations of the love of God." 

And as to the second rule, his conduct was wise and ex- 
emplary. 

Too often, young men, ardent in their thirst for know- 
ledge, or in haste to get into the field of action, or oppressed 
with the languor consequent upon mental labour and seden- 
tary life, so neglect that regular exercise which is essential 
to health, that they come out unfit for service, or go down 
to an early grave. 

On this interesting topic it is obvious to remark, that man 
is a compound being — that he is made up of an animal, in- 
tellectual, and moral nature, neither of which can be neg- 
lected with impunity. In all these respects food and exer- 
cise must be supplied, regularly and in proper kind and 
measure, or a weak and sickly habit will be induced, de- 
structive both of happiness and usefulness. 

With this natural constitution, and the sure consequences 
of neglecting it full in view, is it not utterly astonishing 
that in so few of our literary institutions, provision is made 
for that physical education so essential to the well being of 
the animal nature ? And is it not more surprising still, that 
men professing to be philosophers should endeavour to ex- 
clude from our schools that moral training — that religious 
culture, without which, no man will ever act well his part 
in those relations, for which education is designed to pre- 
pare him? 

It is true, that in the inscrutable providence of God, Mr. 
Taylor's health began to fail, just at the end of his college 
education, so that he was not permitted to enjoy the high 
satisfaction which he so ardently desired, in preaching the 
gospel. But still it is worthy to be remembered, that to the 
end of the course he enjoyed good health. Nor did his stu- 
dies suffer at all by a rigid adherence to his rules. 

3. But as a candidate for the ministry, his conduct, though 
not pretended to be perfect, is above all praise. 

For religion's sake ; for the sa~ke of the holy name by 
which he was called ; for the joy of the Lord which was 
his strength; he sought for and made great attainments in 
the divine life : but never did he seem to lose sight of the. 
influence which his piety would have upon his ministerial 
character and usefulness. To be very " holy and wise," was 



MEMOIR. 



327 



the burden of his prayers. Holy and wise, that he might win 
souls to Jesus Christ, in all his ways please the Lord, 
and be fully prepared for the purity and blessedness of 
heaven. 

No one could more fully recognize the dependence of 
man upon the grace of God, than did Mr. Taylor. In his 
prayers, letters, diary, and conversation, he acknowledged 
the necessity of the Spirit's influences. He not only believed, 
but gloried in the doctrine of divine sovereignty ; yet he 
never once entertained the pernicious notion that these truths 
could either excuse inactivity, or lessen responsibility, or 
diminish the importance of employing means adapted to the 
end to be accomplished in the gospel economy. God has 
indeed most wisely fitted the means to the end, both in 
the kingdom of nature and that of grace, leaving in both 
ample scope for the exercise of all the skill and diligence 
that man can use to bring to pass his benevolent and gra- 
cious purposes. 

Under the cherished impression of this divine arrange- 
ment, Mr. Taylor seemed constantly to live — and, with the 
conviction that holiness in the ministry afforded the best 
ground of hope, under God, of success ; he with all earnest- 
ness, and perseverance, and self-denial, sought to become, and 
did become, eminently holy. Would to God, that all who 
bear the sacred office were like minded — that all who aspire 
to this office could be persuaded to walk as James Taylor 
walked, with God. 

Next to personal holiness, Mr. Taylor desired to be 
" mighty in the scriptures," not only that he might be sanc- 
tified through the truth, but that he might draw thence, 
things new and old, giving to every one a portion suited to 
his condition. " O, to be mighty in the scriptures," was his 
frequent petition at the throne of grace. And to this end he 
submitted himself to the usual course of mental discipline. 
He desired not literary fame, nor the honour that comes from 
men. It was the Bible he was to expound— its doctrines he 
was to preach — its precepts to inculcate- — the whole coun- 
sel of God, as therein revealed, he was to declare. And 
therefore, to a right understanding of the Bible he re- 
solutely determined to devote all his attainments. And 
although, in the ardour of his zeal to enter upon the great 
work for which he longed so earnestly, he wavered for a 
little season, as to the necessity of all that culture which in 
most cases is wisely required ; yet, having corrected this 



328 



MEMOIR. 



error of judgment, no man more deeply felt the importance 
of " full preparation," For this he both laboured industri- 
ously, and prayed most earnestly. 

In addition to Mr. Taylor's persevering and successful 
efforts to increase in piety and in knowledge of the word of 
God, he deserves to be remembered and imitated in his inter- 
course with his fellow-creatures. Always affable and oblig- 
ing — noted for a deportment, the result of enlarged and 
active benevolence ; exceedingly social in his feelings, and 
polite and graceful in his manners ; yet he conscientiously 
avoided an intimacy with those whose society neither pro- 
mised benefit, nor afforded opportunities of usefulness ; but 
with the saints, the excellent of the earth, was his delight ; 
and the more spiritual any one appeared to be, the more did 
he seek and enjoy communion with him. And here it mat- 
tered nothing with Mr. Taylor, what was the condition or 
the colour of the saint. In every one who showed the heart 
of a true disciple, he recognized a brother or sister, and 
rejoiced to be an instrument in ministering to the edification 
and consolation of all those who loved the Lord Jesus Christ 
in sincerity. To this end he visited the sick — conversed 
with professors — wrote letters — held meetings for exhorta- 
tion and prayer, and used all the means he could employ, to 
build up the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of his subjects. 

And while Mr. Taylor thus laboured and prayed to pro- 
mote growth in grace, in the church, the burden of his 
prayers and labours, was for the conversion of souls. He 
had consecrated himself to the service of the Lord, the 
glory of his name, and the advancement of his cause. And 
not only in his intercourse and correspondence with his 
fellow men, did he endeavour to strengthen the interests of 
piety, in those who were under its influence — but by all 
means, if possible, to gain some from the ranks of the enemy. 
Actuated by this zeal for the divine glory, and compassion 
for perishing sinners, he sought and seized every opportu- 
nity, to beseech men, in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to 
God. This he did in his private intercourse — in the family 
circle, and with the sanction of pastors and other ministers, 
in many churches, and with uncommon acceptance and 
success. So that while pursuing his studies, he was made 
the instrument of bringing, perhaps, more persons to the 
knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus, than others have 
done in the ministrations of many years. During his sick- 
ness, many letters came to him, expressive of the most de- 



MEMOIR. 



329 



voted attachment; and reminding him of the blessing, which 
had, in several places, attended his labours of love. 

His object was not wealth, nor fame, but souls — souls; 
his constant cry was, " Give me souls 1" 

Although we have passed over the consideration of his inter- 
course with his fellow-creatures, yet there is one particular, 
which it has occurred to us, may be introduced with some ad- 
vantage to students of theology. Many of Mr. Taylor's corres* 
ponde»nts were young females—- and in his labours, he must 
often have come in contact with persons of this description, 
calculated to awaken tender emotions ; yet in all his letters, 
and in all his diary, there is no evidence that he ever approach- 
ed that entangling, and often embarrassing alliance, which 
so often impedes the progress of students, and too frequently 
presses as an incubus upon all their after life and labours. 

On the contrary, we find in his diary, a passage already 
quoted, which shall here be cited again : " Not knowing 
Avhat the Lord has for me to do, I am kept from what, 
perhaps, would be as pleasant to me, as to another ; and at 
which some have been led to wonder. Some may think me 
stoically indifferent to the connubial state: but this restrains 
me from taking any steps in that matter — I fear to act pre- 
maturely. When it is clearly one's duty to seek such a 
connexion, will not a prudent wife come from the Lord % 

" I wish that ministers would see well to it, that they 
obtain in their companions, an increase of power to help on 
with their work." 

The importance of the marriage relation, as a source of 
happiness or misery, is perfectly obvious. But this matter, 
as it bears upon the character and usefulness of a minister 
of the gospel, is beyond all computation. None who has 
not had experience, or made observation on this subject, 
can tell how much a minister's standing may be affected, 
how much his work may be promoted or hindered, by the 
character and deportment of his wife. 

How inconsiderate ! how unwise the conduct of many 
young men, and young ministers ! But as to the students 
of theology, who have no home, no field of labour, — often 
no patrimony ; , who " know not what the Lord has for them 
to do who have not finished their theological course ; 
who do not 44 fear to act prematurely :" if they cannot be 
restrained from making marriage contracts, and especially 
if they cannot be kept back from the consummation of their 
engagements, ought they to be licensed, or ordained?" Do 
28* 



330 MEMOIR. 

they not discover such a destitution of that prudence, with- 
out which no man can be a safe minister of the gospel, as 
to require the ecclesiastical authority under which they have 
placed themselves to arrest them in their course, and turn 
them aside from the responsible office of rulers in the house 
of God? Let those who hold the licensing and ordaining 
power consider and answer these questions. Let those who 
aspire to this high calling, learn wisdom from the folly of 
many of their brethren who have gone before them, and 
" fear to act prematurely." 

We close by quoting from the obituary notice published 
soon after his decease, — what, in substance, has been said 
before — 

" Mr. Taylor was a young man admirably fitted to be 
useful in the ministry. To a fine person, a pleasant coun- 
tenance, expressive of the benevolence of his soul, a sweet, 
yet powerful voice, and a cultivated mind, he added piety, 
humility, zeal, and devotedness to his profession, such as 
are rarely ever observed united in one individual. 

" How mysterious ! that in the present urgent wants of 
the church, one so gifted and qualified should be cut down, 
just after he became ready to enter the pulpit. But perhaps 
he was called for, to perform higher services for his Master, 
in the church triumphant, than can be rendered by mortal 
man in this militant state. And we shall see, hereafter, 
that all things in regard to him, were ordered well by that 
Lord and Saviour, to whom he had consecrated himself in 
soul, body, and spirit, for time and eternity." Amen. 



THE END. 



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